Klean Kanteen UK is giving a Cumbria primary school the chance for hands-on experience of an environmental campaign by working with its brand ambassador Cal Major, the environmental campaigner and champion stand-up paddleboarder.
Cal is working on a series of learning activities with Ghyllside Primary in Kendal – a Klean Kanteen UK ‘partner’ school. Cal’s first event was held just before the new lockdown, when school children watched her film ‘Skye’s the Limit’. This documents her solo circumnavigation of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, by stand-up paddleboard in 2017.
Following this, Cal hosted a Zoom Q&A with 60 pupils from Year 6.
Head teacher Huw Davies said they were all very excited about working with Cal “as it brings environmental issues to life for our children, ties in exceptionally well with the ethos of our school and how we approach learning – very much a practical and hands-on approach.” He added: “It is a well-placed message too given that we’re on the edge of the Lake District.”
There were plenty of insightful questions from the children about Cal’s campaign Paddle against Plastic, the use of single plastics and what we can all do to help the planet. These included: “What made you start Paddle against Plastic”, “Should people get a fine if they use single use plastics?” and “Do you think single use plastic should be banned?” There were also some great questions about Cal herself, such as: “How do you balance when it’s windy?” and “Did you ever doubt yourself?”
Klean Kanteen UK managing director Phil Ellwood commented: “We are very passionate about highlighting the environmental problems caused by single-use plastic and we are hoping that by educating and inspiring the next generation, they will take a stand against plastic pollution and climate change. It seemed a brilliant opportunity to introduce Cal to Ghyllside which is local to our UK base here in Kendal.”
To help the students reduce their use of single-use plastic, Klean Kanteen UK donated a reusable, stainless steel water bottle and straws to every student involved.
The school is looking forward to more activities. “It is the start of a fantastic ongoing partnership with Cal, as we will be working closely together as a ‘partner school’ involving lots of exciting projects this coming year,” reported head teacher Huw.
Top: Cal Major on screen with Year 6 pupils at Ghyllside Primary in Kendal, Cumbria
