‘Stand up for our oceans’: Eight-year-old girl ensures ban of single use plastic at her school

A eight-year-old girl and David Attenborough fan has ensured the ban of single use plastic at her school after writing a letter to her headteacher.

Eliza Sayed-De Noia wrote to the headteacher of Sandhurst Primary School in Minard Road, Lewisham, earlier this month after becoming frustrated by the single use plastic being used with school dinners.

In her letter, the young environmentalist said: “I am not happy about the plastic cups that are used to serve jelling and fruit for our pudding.”

She explained in the letter that she would be boycotting the fruit and jelly until it was served in a “proper bowl”.

Speaking to the South London Press, Eliza said: “I sent the letter because every week students would be throwing plastic away in the bins which would soon end up in the sea which would take years and years and years to break down.

“So I decided to write a letter to say that I was not very happy.”

After receiving the letter the head, Mrs Rebecca Dove, contacted the schools caterers Raddish, who agreed to change their policy.

The operations director of Raddish, Tracy Waters, wrote a letter back to Eliza to say that the company would swap to reusable plastic alternatives, in the hope that Eliza could “enjoy pudding” with them again.

Ms Waters also said the policy would be extended to all schools and restaurants that Raddish caters for.

Eliza said: “I feel so proud of myself. I’ve saved turtles, sharks and dolphins and it’s just amazing how I did all this.”

But, Eliza said her work is not finished yet.

She said: “Now I am going to write to Kilmorie school and I have already written to Birch Copse school in Reading about their use of single use plastic and that it’s not good for the oceans and seas.”

Eliza said her biggest inspiration is David Attenborough and she recently ran in a mini marathon on April 20, to raise £465 for WWF. 

Describing what motivates her, Eliza said: “Every animal should have a safe place to live and so should we. 

“I have been watching David Attenborough’s programmes and it has made me worried about the environment and more interested – also he supports WWF.”

Eliza is calling on other school children to join her in taking a stand against single use plastic.

She said: “Plastic is really bad because it is harming oceans and sea creatures. 

“Raise your voice and stand up for our oceans and be an eco warrior.”

Pictured top: Eliza Sayed-De Noia (Picture: Zeba Sayed)