KCS students received a total of four awards in this years Young Environmentalist Awards Competition. A total of 10 projects were successful in reaching the finals which is a great achievement. As part of the Young Environmentalist Awards Competition, students are challenged to take action on an environmental issue of their choice and raise awareness about the issue.

First Year students Edel Ryle and Emily Haydon received Highly Commended for their project “Fresh Herbs, Fresh Start.” While the class of 1A8 won the biodiversity category with their project “Bringing Birds Back” which involved raising awareness about the bird species that are at risk in Ireland and why. They made their own bird feeders, planted their own sunflower seeds to feed the birds, organised a guest speakers from BirdWatch Ireland and created their own bird book!

1A5 won the waste category with their project “Reduce the Plastic, that Would be Fantastic.” Their project involved designing their very own re-useable school bottle and sold it to staff and students to reduce plastic waste in our school community. They have sold over 100 bottles which has significantly reduced plastic use in our school community as students have access to many water fountains in the school to refill their water bottles.

3A5 won the food category with their project “Kinsale Cookbook” which included collaborating with local food suppliers to help them to create their own book with many locally sourced recipes and to highlight the impact that food miles have on our environment. This book is on sale in Smiths Super Valu for 10 euro and the proceeds will be donated to the Irish Seed Savers Association.

Well done to all 10 groups who got through to the finals of the competition, we are incredibly proud of your hard work and actions taken to make our school and community a more sustainable environment.