Eco-Schools is an incredible programme that empowers children to drive real change in their schools and local communities. By inspiring the next generation, we're not just tackling litter today—we’re building a more sustainable future for everyone.
What is Eco-Schools?
Eco-Schools is a global environmental education programme operating in 100 countries. In England, Keep Britain Tidy proudly manages the programme, guiding schools through a simple, seven-step framework.
This framework puts students in the driver's seat, allowing them to take the lead on a range of environmental topics. They learn to make a difference by focusing on issues such as waste, energy, water, biodiversity and healthy living.
It's about helping young people understand that their actions, no matter how small, can make a big difference. They get hands-on experience by organizing litter picks, setting up recycling schemes or creating a beautiful school garden.
Investing in the next generation
Our mission is to create a cleaner, greener Britain. We know that litter and waste are symptoms of a bigger problem: a disconnect between people and their environment. Education is the most powerful tool for changing this.
Through Eco-Schools, we are nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. These are the students who will grow up to instinctively care for their local spaces. They are the future adults who will demand better environmental standards and create more sustainable communities.
So, while you might know us for our iconic litter campaigns, our work with Eco-Schools is just as vital. It's about preventing the problem before it even starts, creating a lasting legacy of environmental responsibility. Your support for Keep Britain Tidy is an investment in this long-term vision.
Here are just a handful of the incredible results from last year's programme:
- 2.03 million kilograms of waste diverted from landfill
- 1.3 million natural habitats created or maintained
- 48,600 trees planted
2.03m kilos of waste
diverted from landfill
1.3m natural habitats
created or maintained
48,600 trees planted
Want to discover more of the amazing impacts?
You can read our full Eco-Schools impact report to learn about the incredible difference these young people are making.
More ways we help schools make a difference
Beyond the core Eco-Schools programme, we provide additional tools and initiatives to help schools on their environmental journey:
The Great Big School Clean: Part of our annual Great British Spring Clean, this initiative encourages pupils and teachers to get hands-on with litter picking, directly linking their work to our wider mission.
Cut Your Carbon: This month-long challenge extends eco-action beyond the classroom. It involves simple actions that pupils can complete at home with their families, like using less water and energy or walking instead of driving. It shows how small changes in everyday life can make a big difference.
Count Your Carbon: A free, easy-to-use carbon calculator for schools. This tool empowers schools to measure their carbon footprint, create a plan to reduce it and engage pupils, turning abstract environmental concepts into tangible actions and data.