Competition asks students to consider environmental impacts of daily actions

Second-level students across Ireland are being asked to consider the global consequences of their everyday actions on the environment, as part of a competition called The Story of Your Stuff.

Now in its sixth year, the competition asks students to think about the wider environmental impact of their own decisions, and to research the life cycle and environmental impact of an everyday item, such as their toothbrush, or everyday activity, such as eating their lunch, and to present their findings in a creative way.

The competition was launched on Tuesday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Entrants will be required to tell the environmental story of their "stuff" through a visual medium of their choice, including video, animation, infographics or photography.

Winners will receive €500 for themselves and €500 for their school. There is also a prize for the best Irish-language entry and a special “climate topic prize”.

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Speaking at the launch, the EPA's Stephen Fennell said short-term conveniences such as using disposable coffee cups or taking the car instead of walking were "often not environmentally sustainable".

“Our individual actions have lasting impacts, and The Story of Your Stuff competition asks young people how they, and those closest to them, can act in a more environmentally friendly way.

“Now more than ever, we cannot lose sight of our power as individuals to bring about change, and this competition instils that message among young people,” he said.

Aeronautical engineer Dr Norah Patten will act as competition ambassador for 2022 for the second year.

Dr Patten said the competition was a “fantastic initiative” and she hoped it could be “an entry point into environmental research and science communication for a new generation”.

Last year's overall winner was Robert Urquhart from Presentation College Athenry in Co Galway for his topical video called Story of Disposable Face Masks.

Oonagh Hales from John the Baptist Community School, Co Limerick, was awarded the climate topic prize for her entry, The Story of Plastic Cutlery. The inaugural Irish-language prize was awarded to Rebecca Ní Challanain and Kate Ní Mhathuna from Gaelcholáiste Charraig Uí Leighin, Carrigaline, Co Cork for their entry, Scéal Lipéad Crochadh, which looked at clothing labels.

Competition guidelines and tips are available at thestoryofyourstuff.ie. The deadline for entries is Monday, March 7th.