Zero-waste Plantable Poppies

Ahead of Cop26 and Remembrance Day, pupils are producing plastic-free, ‘flowering’ poppies to support The Royal British Legion.

The design studios have been busy with pupils laser-cutting special red and green paper embedded with wildflower seeds. The handmade poppies, made with biodegradable glue, can be soaked in water and planted in soil after being worn, growing back as flowers – including different poppy varieties.

After last year’s Poppy Appeal was impacted by lockdown, our students assembled hundreds of the sustainable poppies at home, raising over £900 for The Royal British Legion.  This year, the eco-poppies are being sold in the school community for a suggested minimum donation of £1.50, with a limited number available at Barista coffee shop on Finchley Road.

South Hampstead High School’s Design & Technology Teacher, Ms Poppy Pearce, commented: “Our pupils are always so enthused to develop more sustainable design ideas relating to the circular economy, and have been really motivated to help fundraise again this year. These symbolic poppies are a wonderful tribute to those who made sacrifices in the war and send a message of hope for a better future.”

In 2020, South Hampstead received a national green award for Environmental Achievement; as part of the school’s Project Zero sustainability strategy, the community continues to work towards ambitious eco targets by South Hampstead’s 150th anniversary in 2026.