Environmental Awareness: Schools
Environmental & Sustainability Workshops for Schools 2025/2026
A guide to the fully funded environmental education programmes, workshops and facilitators available to primary and secondary schools in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
Expressions of interest opening soon!
Environmental & Sustainability Workshops for Schools
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to support schools in promoting Environmental awareness and Climate action through fun, practical and useful workshops and initiatives.
Below is a selection of programmes funded by the Council and delivered by experienced facilitators with expertise in environmental education.
While all schools are welcome to apply, places are limited and early registration is encouraged for programmes of interest.
The programmess cater for a wide range of ages and class levels, from Primary to Secondary and cover a variety of environmental themes designed to inspire students, encourage positive action and raise awareness of key sustainability issues. Further information on each programme, including eligibility and registration details, can be found below.
For general enquires, please email: envaware@dlrcoco.ie
Primary School Programmes
Picker Pals
Suitable for: Junior & Senior infants to 2nd class
About the Programme:
Picker Pals is an engaging, action-based environmental programme that encourages young children and their families to help tackle litter in their local communities. Each week, a pupil takes home a Picker Pack and completes a litter-picking activity with their family before sharing their experience with their classmates.
Themes Covered:
- Litter awareness
- Community action
- Environmental responsibility
Delivery Method: Hybrid programme combining classroom resources, including books, songs and activities, with family-based litter-picking activities at home.
Registration & Deadline: Rolling applications. Early registration is recommended for schools wishing to participate from September.
Website: https://pickerpalsworld.org/
Register Interest: https://pickerpalsworld.org/sign-up/
Secondary School Programmes
ReLove Fashion
Suitable for: Transition Year and Senior Cycle Students
Introduction:
ReLove Fashion is a sustainable fashion competition that challenges students to design and create innovative outfits using reused, recycled and upcycled materials. The programme encourages creativity while exploring the environmental impacts of the fashion industry. Finalists receive mentoring and workshops from the Rediscovery Centre.
Themes Covered:
- Sustainable fashion
- Upcycling and textile reuse
- Circular economy
- Climate action
Delivery Method: National fashion competition involving school-led design projects, mentoring and in-person workshops for finalists.
Registration & Deadline: Registration opens in September; competition deadlines TBC
Website: https://www.relovefashion.ie/
Register Interest: https://marketing.rediscoverycentre.ie/relove-fashion-register-your-interest_25/26
Rubbish Film Festival
Suitable for: Transition Year students
About the Programme:
The Rubbish Film Festival is a creative environmental education programme that challenges Transition Year students to create short films exploring themes such as litter, waste and sustainability. The programme combines environmental awareness with digital storytelling, encouraging students to communicate important sustainability messages in an engaging and creative way.
Themes Covered:
- Waste prevention
- Responsible consumption
- Climate awareness
- Digital storytelling
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11, 12 and 13.
Delivery Method: A hybrid programme combining online and in-person workshops, remote mentoring and school-led film production.
Registration & Deadline: Applications typically open in September. Please refer to the programme website for current deadlines and registration dates.
Website: https://rubbishfilmfestival.com/
Register Interest: Take Part - Rubbish Film Festival
Primary & Secondary School Programmes
Composting & Recycling for Schools
Suitable for: Primary and Secondary schools
About the Programme:
This programme supports schools in developing effective waste management practices while teaching students about composting, recycling and resource management. Participating schools gain access to workshops, educational resources, classroom activities and on-site support to help embed positive environmental practices across the school community.
Themes Covered:
- Waste prevention
- Composting
- Recycling
- Circular economy
- Gardening and Biodiversity
Delivery Method: A hybrid programme combining online workshops, teacher training, classroom resources and two on-site school visits. Schools also receive access to a comprehensive resource library, optional facilitator support, a teacher certification video series and opportunities to apply for materials vouchers through programme competitions.
Registration & Deadline: Applications are expected to open in September. Please refer to the programme website for the latest dates and registration details.
Website: Schools - Composting Ireland
Register Interest: Schools - Composting Ireland
Let's Fix Fashion
Suitable for: Primary and Secondary schools
About the Programme:
Let’s Fix Fashion is a youth-led initiative that encourages students to rethink their relationship with fashion by promoting repair, reuse and sustainable consumption. Through practical, hands-on activities, students learn valuable skills such as mending, upcycling and clothes swapping while exploring the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry.
Themes Covered:
- Circular Economy
- Repair and reuse
- Responsible Consumption
- Climate justice
Delivery Method: In-person workshops, community events and optional clothes swap kits designed to support student-led action and engagement.
Registration & Deadline: Rolling programme. Early booking is recommended due to high demand.
Website: Let’s Fix Fashion | Join | Green-Schools
Register Interest: Let’s Fix Fashion | Join | Green-Schools
