AN eco-warrior has succeeded in her campaign to move her school a few steps closer to becoming plastic-free.

Harwich and Dovercourt High School student Erin Seed has been leading a series of inspiring whole-school assemblies to explain the importance of caring for the environment.

She also had a private meeting with Harwich and north Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin to discuss carbon emissions and green energy.

With the support of her peers, the 14-year-old has managed to make this month's sports day plastic bottle free as students and staff will be issued with a biodegradable bottle to use at one of the drinking fountains.

Erin said her passion for sustainability started when she was on holiday in Cornwall and visited the Eden Project.

She said: "It's obvious we are poisoning the oceans and contributing to disastrous climate change, so I want to do something about it.

"We need to act urgently, but I'm hopeful."

With the help of her tutor, Rachel Wiffen, Erin prepared and delivered assemblies to the entire school community.

Simon Garnham, senior assistant headteacher, said: "It's nerve-racking speaking to the whole school for 20 minutes but Erin did it brilliantly.

"All the students listened rapt to her presentation.

"Her passion was clear and it's already making a difference."

Mr Garnham explained the school has now moved to biodegradable packaging and cutlery for take-away food and that more is planned for recycling in September.

He said: "Our school is committed to doing its bit for the environment.

"We have a dedicated team of volunteer litter pickers to make sure we are not polluting the environment.

"We have increased our recycling with more recycling bins around the school and food recycling on its way.

"Three of our largest roofs are full of solar panels to help reduce our carbon footprint."

The plastic-free sports day at the school is on July 19.

Sir Bernard said: "I am delighted to support Erin in this incredibly positive demonstration in support of policies to combat global warming and species collapse.

"It’s wonderful to work across political divides for the benefit of everyone.

"I congratulate Erin on her local successes and Harwich and Dovercourt High School for encouraging this forward-thinking, proactive attitude to the environment."

AN eco-warrior is playing her part in saving the planet.

Harwich and Dovercourt High School student Erin Seed has succeeded in her campaign to move her school a few steps closer to becoming plastic-free.

She has been leading a series of inspiring school assemblies to explain the importance of caring for the environment.

She also had a private meeting with Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin to discuss carbon emissions and green energy.

With the support of her peers, the 14-year-old has managed to make this month’s sports day is plastic bottle free as students and staff will be issued with a biodegradable bottles to use at one of the drinking fountains.

Erin said her passion for sustainability started when she was on holiday in Cornwall where she visited the Eden Project.

She said: “It’s obvious we are poisoning the oceans and contributing to disastrous climate change, so I want to do something about it.

“We need to act urgently but I’m hopeful.”

With the help of her tutor Rachel Wiffen, Erin prepared and delivered assemblies to the entire school community.

Simon Garnham, senior assistant headteacher, said: “It’s nerve-racking speaking to the whole school for 20 minutes but Erin did it brilliantly.

“Her passion was clear and it’s already making a difference.”

Mr Garnham explained the school has now moved to biodegradable packaging and cutlery for take-away food and said more is planned for recycling in September.

He said: “Our school is committed to doing its bit for the environment.

“We have a dedicated team of volunteer litter pickers to make sure we are not polluting the environment.

“We have increased our recycling with more recycling bins around the school and food recycling on its way.

“Three of our largest roofs are full of solar panels to help reduce our carbon footprint.”

Sir Bernard said: “I am delighted to support Erin in this incredibly positive demonstration in support of policies to combat global warming and species collapse.

“It’s wonderful to work across political divides for the benefit of everyone.

“I congratulate Erin on her successes and the school for encouraging this forward-thinking, proactive attitude to the environment.”