Rathdown School students design new ‘eco-schoolbag’

TWO first year students at Rathdown Senior School in Glenageary have showcased a new ‘eco-schoolbag’ that they have designed as part of an all-school initiative to promote sustainable travel.

The schoolbag incorporates a light-weight, pull-bag design, complete with adjustable straps, light up wheels for safety and a solar panel front with mobile phone charger connection.

Having identified schoolbag weight as a potential barrier to walking or cycling to school, Isabelle Byrne and Éile ní Chianáin carried out research among their first to fourth year peers to examine the actual weight of bags. They found that most schoolbags measured on average over twice the recommended 3kg load.

With the help of Green Schools Coordinator, Horst Punzet, they developed a schoolbag prototype, which they have been trialling among class members over the last number of weeks.

“There has been a great reaction to the pilot product so far, particularly among the younger students,” Mr Punzet said.

“The girls plan to extend the trial period to a broader sample over the coming months and based on the feedback, they will tweak the design as needed. If there is a high enough demand, they hope to produce a final version that will be tailored to include the school logo and colours.”

As part of the international Green Schools programme, which recognises long-term, whole school action for the environment, Rathdown Senior School has previously received Green Flags for litter, waste recycling, energy and water conservation.

A number of initiatives are underway this year to build awareness among the school community about sustainable transport, including ‘Walk on Wednesdays’ and ‘Walktober’.