Greening the Future: An innovative approach to plastic recycling

One of Zenergi’s Bill Validation Specialists rallied his team to bring in their used 2-litre drinks bottles that were put to good use in a recycled greenhouse.

Matt Varney, a Scout leader at the 7th Southampton Bassett Scout Group spent around eight months planning and building the greenhouse, during which time he saved around 500 plastic bottles from being discarded. Matt engaged his pack in the build too, helping Scouts to progress towards their Environmental Conservation badge.

The greenhouse is being used to grow oak tree saplings to leave a legacy for future generations, while also growing carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and strawberries.

Matt chose to embark on the greenhouse project to complete his Scouts of the World Award. The Award encourages the Scouting community to undertake a project within the themes of Peace, Environment, or Sustainability. It aims for the participant’s project to make a sustainable impact on their local, national or international community.

Matt’s Scouts of the World Award joins three other achievements, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the Queen Scout’s Award and the Explorer Belt, to make Matt one of only five Scout leaders in Hampshire to have been awarded all four Top Awards. Well done, Matt!