The EcoMarines Leaders at St Mary’s Primary School

The EcoMarines Ambassadors at St Mary’s Primary School in Ipswich might easily be mistaken for environmental representatives heading to a United Nations meeting.

One might ask the reason, but the fact is that witnessing Year 6 students outpouring dedication and care in empowering even younger generations in the fight for a sustainable world is a real eye-opener.

Part of the EcoMarines program since 2023, St Mary’s Primary School aims to encourage ambassadors to continue their environmental advocacy as they transition to high school and potentially start eco-initiative programs in new learning steps of their lives.

“We want to learn more about ecological practices and teach younger grades about recycling, environmental awareness and stewardship. Not only that, but imagine the potential for spreading EcoMarines to high schools, encouraging student involvement, and talking about future environmental careers,” one of the Ambassadors says.

This commitment to environmentalism is not limited to the school grounds, as the exercise of coming up with green ideas bleeds over to the students’ families, creating a ripple effect of compassion and understanding for the environment.

“I’m part of a typical EcoMarines family, so I want to give back to our planet because I’ve been taught this way. I can and want to spread my knowledge and everything to younger and older kids,” explains another Ambassador.

In other words, the EcoMarines Ambassadors at St Mary’s Primary School want to lead the way in nourishing the soil for the coming students and, with this in mind, start taking the first steps towards their own green future.

It is, in fact, a long journey in which tackling the high cost of plastic collection, having a “Wrap Free Wednesday” initiative, and increasing the use of green bins in schools are walking side by side and are at the core of the Ambassador’s projects. However, for such selfless and brilliant minds, changing the world – beginning for Ipswich – will be a matter of time.

“Yes, I know I’m still too young, but I feel that I need to teach all generations. I’ve got older siblings; they will have their kids, and I will have mine. They all need to know how to live in an eco-friendly environment where animals and plants are safe,” one of the Ambassadors states.