Sustainable Waste: Wonderful Worms at Work

Pupils Turn Waste into Growth with EESW’s Sustainable Waste Project for the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Secondary pupils across South Wales have been getting hands-on with sustainability through EESW’s Sustainable Waste Project — a creative, half-term classroom project that transforms food waste into compost and liquid fertiliser using worms, before growing a vibrant crop of microgreens - funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry.  Delivered across eight Local Authority areas, the project has engaged 276 pupils from 12 schools, each using their own mini indoor composters to complete the full cycle — from food waste to compost to fresh, nutritious greens.  The activity encourages pupils to explore sustainable living practices, understand how their choices affect the environment, and discover practical ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle food waste.

The project was generously funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) as part of their drive to raise standards in chemistry education and help pupils understand the vital links between chemistry, industry, and society.  By taking part, pupils not only develop scientific knowledge but also see first-hand how chemistry underpins sustainability and everyday environmental action.

Fully mapped to the Curriculum for Wales across Progression Steps 3 and 4, the project can be delivered as a whole-class activity or through regular extracurricular sessions.  Pupils are involved in every stage of the process — from collecting food scraps and managing composters to planting and caring for their microgreens.  Along the way, they learn about decomposition, soil health, and the chemistry of composting, connecting science to real-world applications.

Teachers have praised the project’s impact on engagement and environmental awareness.  One teacher commented:

“The class had a lot of fun and upheld their responsibility. When it came to the growth stage, they felt like they were competing and came to check on their microgreens daily.”

Although the initial RSC funding has now ended, the Sustainable Waste Project will continue to be available to Primary and Secondary schools as a chargeable activity.  EESW looks forward to offering this engaging programme to more schools in the future, continuing to inspire pupils to think sustainably, act responsibly, and grow with purpose — with a little help from some hardworking worms!