Guaranteed Irish members Applegreen recognise the issues facing biodiversity in Ireland and in response has launched a new initiative ‘BioDive’, encouraging primary schools to celebrate Irish biodiversity and immerse children in a fun learning experience. Complimentary to this campaign, Applegreen has also committed to planting 300,000 native Irish trees by the end of 2023, with 100,000 of those already in the ground.
Biodiversity is essential for sustainable development and human wellbeing. It supports the provision of food, water, mitigates the effects of climate change and is essential to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the guiding pillars to a healthier planet1.
Today’s children will be at the peak of their careers in 2050 and will witness revolutionary changes to the way we live. Education is vital to incite action from younger generations who can affect change themselves, but also bring this knowledge home and teach their family and peers to inspire behavioural changes that will nurture the environment.
Applgreen’s new ‘BioDive’ campaign is supported by education organization ‘Biodiversity in Schools’ who aim to boost children’s eco literacy, mental, and physical health through the provision of interactive teaching resources. Passionate Irish Biodiversity expert, Éanna Ní Lámhna, is also on board this campaign as a brand ambassador who believes education is the route to tangible change.
Participating schools will receive a BioDive pack including a classroom poster exhibiting illustrations of native Irish animals, insects, and plant life, as well as space for stickers. The 120 collectable stickers will each include an image of an Irish species and its name in both English and Irish, along with an interesting fact, making it a fun learning experience for children.
Last Monday 14th of February, the first round of stickers became available in store, whilst two more phases of stickers will be released between now and 28th of April. Participating schools who successfully fill their poster will have a chance to win a biodiversity garden worth €10,000, whilst runner up prizes include workshops delivered by Biodiversity in Schools. An illustrated collector’s book for only €3.99 is available in store for all Applegreen customers to broaden their knowledge of our native species.
Applegreen’s comprehensive Drive Change Strategy outlines the company’s promise to continue transitioning towards a net zero carbon future in their own operations; investing in 100% renewable energy across its Irish operations; transitioning the Applegreen company cars to EV; development of zero food-waste programmes across stores and supporting sustainability within local communities.
A key component in any sustainability strategy is how companies can serve people and communities in conjunction with their environmental obligations. This colourful campaign speaks to Applegreen’s commitment to Irish communities. Community engagement is a key pillar here at Guaranteed Irish where member’s contribution to their local communities is a pivotal requirement to be awarded the national ‘G’ symbol of trust. Guaranteed Irish proudly support this creative initiative and applaud Applegreen’s commitment to Irish communities.
To learn more about the BioDive campaign and Applegreen's Drive Change strategy, Click here.
1https://sdg.iisd.org/commentary/policy-briefs/why-biodiversity-matters-mapping-the-linkages-between-biodiversity-and-the-sdgs/