Nature

'Saving the world bit by bit': Catford primary school launches eco-refill shop

When Year 5 children at Rathfern primary school found out that Fairy Liquid can harm aquatic life, they organised their own refill shop selling safer alternatives.

One of the posters that Year 5 children created for their campaign. Credit: Rathfern school

When pupils at Rathfern primary school in Catford found out that toxic chemicals in Fairy Liquid can harm nature, they wrote to Proctor & Gamble, the company behind Fairy Liquid, and started a petition.

But they went further, setting up their own shop in the playground. Once a month, the children organise to sell safe alternatives to parents and carers, all in refillable bottles.

Some very proud children told me about their project:

Ethical Consumer ranks washing up liquid on ethical and eco-friendly criteria.

Mimiml, the brand sold by the children, is made by Friendly Chemical Co Ltd and scores 85/100.

Fairy Liquid, sold by global giant Proctor & Gamble, is near the bottom of the league table with 9/100.

Rathfern Primary's petition is here Fairy Liquid: Stop harming aquatic life!

Proctor & Gamble did not respond to our request for comment.

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