Project ECO 2025 Environmental Protection: Primary School

Project E.C.O. 2025 – Environmental Protection - Primary

Bedok Green Primary School - Gold

Project E.C.O. was a ten-month, student-led sustainability initiative that transformed recycling and upcycling practices at Bedok Green Primary School while extending meaningful impact into the wider Bedok community. Led by four Green Councillors known as the Eco-Transformers, the project combined research-driven problem-solving, creative engagement, and strong partnerships to build sustainable habits and systems.

After identifying inconsistencies in classroom recycling routines, the Eco-Transformers redesigned the school’s recycling workflow into a structured and accountable system. This included weekly weigh-ins of paper, cardboard, plastics, bottle caps, and batteries, supported by magnetic Bloobin signs that clearly indicated when recyclables were ready for collection. To ensure clarity and school-wide buy-in, the students produced instructional skits and videos that were shared during assemblies, classroom briefings, and recess screenings. Through this student-led system, the school collected 1,004.51 kg of recyclables, demonstrating sustained participation and collective responsibility.

To reinforce long-term sustainability, recycling practices were integrated into the Discipline Committee’s GRACE (Greetings, Readiness, Attire, Cleanliness, and Environment) points system. Classes could earn points towards the Model Class Award through consistent and responsible recycling, embedding environmental responsibility into everyday student behaviour rather than treating it as a one-off initiative.

Creativity and upcycling played a key role in engagement. Bottle caps collected through the programme were transformed into colourful class identity boards, an artwork showcased at the Singapore Youth Festival exhibition, and meaningful gifts such as a thank-you artwork made from 403 bottle caps for Sunflower Preschool. These projects reinforced the message that waste can be repurposed into purposeful and expressive creations.

The Eco-Transformers also conducted an outreach session at Sunflower Preschool, engaging N2–K2 children through skits, recycling games, and simple upcycled crafts. This nurtured early environmental awareness while strengthening the students’ leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.

Strong community partnerships amplified the project’s impact. Collaborations with Bedok Community Centre led to publicity efforts and the establishment of a public bottle-cap collection bin at Bedok Heartbeat. The project also partnered with ALBA on a battery recycling initiative, collecting 34 kg of used batteries in 2025 and earning top regional and national recognition, with features in major media outlets.

By November 2025, 12,603 bottle caps had been collected through combined school and community efforts. With systems embedded into school operations and supported by student leadership structures, Project E.C.O. has empowered students to become confident and sustained advocates for environmental protection within and beyond the school.

Green Champion heading to the Green Space to deposit bottle caps

Skit Performance at Sunflower Preschool on the topic of Recycling Right

Placement of a bottle cap bin and standee at Bedok Community Centre

Eco-Transformers interacting with Mr Dinesh at Bedok Heartbeat

The school receiving special mention on International E-Waste Day, recognising their outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability

Punggol Cove Primary School - Silver

The project team undertook a ten-month initiative to create a storybook that raises awareness about the hidden costs of food waste. Through research and observation, they drew connections between global food waste statistics and the situation in their own school canteen. The team chose storytelling as their medium and produced both an e-book for digital accessibility and physical copies for distribution. Hard copies were given to every student in the school, with additional copies donated to the National Library and other primary schools in the North East District. The book had its first public showcase at the Clean and Green Singapore Carnival at Our Tampines Hub, where the team conducted live storytelling sessions and distributed complimentary copies. To amplify their campaign and promote the launch exhibit, the team produced a video reel entitled '5 Simple Ways of Reducing Food Waste' (https://tinyurl.com/pcps-5waystoreducefoodwaste)

Additionally, the team introduced a food composter in the staff pantry as part of their broader effort to reduce food waste within the school. The composter serves as both a practical waste management solution and an educational tool, encouraging teachers to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily routines.

Students learnt about sustainability by using the school’s food composter to turn food waste into useful compost. Through this hands-on experience, they understand how reducing food waste can help care for the environment and support plant growth in the school garden.

Students shared about the impact of food waste and raised awareness within the community. They also engaged others by sharing simple ideas and activities to reduce food waste and protect the environment

1. Naval Base Primary School - Bronze

The project team undertook a seven-month initiative focused on environmental protection through multiple campaigns and activities. Following online research, direct observations and a survey, the students launched a sustainable collection drive for clothes, soft toys and boxes. These collected items were then upcycled into tote bags, repurposed as prizes for the Children's Day Carnival, and transformed into games for the Navalite Discover Project. Over the course of the project, the students conducted 11 rounds of campaigning through various activities including assembly programmes, a tote bag upcycling challenge, participation in the Clean Plate Challenge, poster design competitions, and peer encouragement for Meatless Monday. The team also collaborated with eight external partners, including NParks, ALBA, CLOOP, MOE Kindergartens and Northwest CDC, to expand the reach and impact of their programmes.

Environment Protection Campaign during recess for all levels

Upcycled materials used to build games for Navalite Discovery Day

Outreach to MOE Kingergarten during Navalite Discovery Day

Students showcasing their upcycled tote bags from old clothing

2. North Vista Primary School - Bronze

The project team undertook a three-month initiative to reinforce the importance of the 3Rs and proper recycling practices within the school community and beyond. Over 14 weeks, the team established and maintained a weekly routine of sorting, weighing and recording collected recyclables. This effort resulted in the collection of over 400 kilograms of paper and cardboard, 320 kilograms of plastic and 35 kilograms of glass. The team also conducted regular educational sessions through various platforms including school assemblies and podcasts, sharing real-life examples of environmental damage caused by plastic waste, chemical spills and other harmful environmental practices. Outreach activities were extended to preschoolers, and messages promoting environmental stewardship were disseminated to parents through Parent Gateway to reinforce these important values at home.

The project team engaging with kindergarteners from MK@Vista during recess