Climate Project with TEMA

We’ve recently wrapped up an exciting Climate Project with students at The East Manchester Academy (TEMA), and what a journey it’s been! A huge thank you to Manchester City Council’s Neighbourhood Investment Fund for making this project possible – funding like this allows young people to take real action on the issues that matter to them, and this group definitely did just that.

The project brought together a core group of students who met weekly to explore climate action and apply their understanding to their own school environment. Rather than just learning about climate change, they designed and delivered their very own campaign focused on high-impact actions. TEMA is already doing some brilliant work to reduce its carbon footprint – from meat-free lunch days and reusable bottles for all students, to a thriving school garden and recently installed solar panels – so the challenge was to find an area where they could go even further.

It didn’t take long for the group to focus on paper waste. They wanted to demonstrate how much paper is wasted, encourage both staff and students to reduce unnecessary printing, and introduce a whole-school recycling approach. After weeks of planning, they brought their campaign to life with a lively breaktime event. Activities included a jellybean guessing game where students matched key facts about paper waste in Manchester, a “spin the wheel” to test climate knowledge and carbon footprints, and an information station where they shared their campaign aims and handed out erasable pens to support reducing paper use in lessons. Posters were also placed by photocopiers to remind staff to only print what’s needed.

The group were also incredibly thoughtful with their budget, ensuring every classroom will receive a paper recycling box. This means the project will have a lasting impact, embedding better habits across the school long after the sessions have finished. We’ve absolutely loved delivering this project at TEMA – the students have been a delight to work with, full of enthusiasm, energy and brilliant ideas. It’s been inspiring to see them take ownership and lead change within their school community, and if this project is anything to go by, the future of climate action is in very good hands.