Accredited by the Institute of Citizenship, the teachers' resource pack has seen great results in the last 12 months: 58% of pupils think more about the disposal of their litter and 50% of pupils claim to have disposed of their gum more responsibly than they did prior to the lesson or presentation.
The accompanying website - www.chewitbinit.com - has also been revamped for 2007, and includes facts about chewing gum, a teacher's area, and interactive activities like quizzes, to encourage responsible chewing gum disposal.
The Bin It! Schools Programme was developed by The Wrigley Company in conjunction with specialist education consultancy EdComs to teach young people about the problems associated with dropping chewing gum. The resource pack is designed to fit into existing areas of the national curriculum in the UK, such as citizenship and PHSE classes. The actor tour is visiting over 20 schools in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales this summer.
Alexandra MacHutchon, Communications Manager Wrigley UK & ROI: "The Wrigley Company believes it is important to encourage young people to learn about the correct disposal of all litter, including chewing gum, from an early age.
"Young people enjoy chewing gum and it has many proven benefits including helping to reduce the incidence of tooth decay, breath freshening, stress relief, and aiding concentration, for example when studying for exams. A small minority of people dispose of gum incorrectly and we hope that through Bin It!, young people will learn to dispose of their gum more responsibly."
The pack is available in Welsh and English for Welsh schools. Schools can obtain a pack by calling 0870 242 5572 (8.30am - 5.30pm, weekdays) or email requests@edcoms.co.uk. Up to three packs are available per school.
