365 Eco Challenge Pledges

The school community is making personal 365-day eco pledges, inspired by Head Girl Sophie’s commitment to only use sustainable period products and Mrs Bingham’s vow to purchase no new clothes for an entire year.

Earlier this term, Mrs Bingham launched The 365 Club, whereby pupils and staff commit to environmental resolutions for a whole year; each half term, they meet to track progress, to share their successes (and set backs), encouraging others to follow suit and feel empowered to make a positive difference.

Since September, the club has gathered momentum and increasing numbers of girls have pledged take on eco challenges and adopt new behaviours.  The gallery above showcases just some of their proposed plans, as they take ownership for their personal environmental impact. When Donald Trump was in London recently for the NATO summit, passing South Hampstead in his cavalcade, Mrs Bingham invited him – via Twitter – to stop by and make his own 365 challenge pledge to help the planet. “I’ve given up new clothes for a year. You?” 

Head Girl Sophie, who has taken on the challenge of ‘plastic free periods’, has contributed to a persuasive article in the school magazine; alongside members of the eco-committee, she has also organised a giveaway of biodegradable pads and tampons and a prize draw to win sustainable products including menstrual cups and period pants.

The 365 Club is a spin-off of Project Zero, a pupil-led initiative that aims to significantly improve the school’s environmental credentials by our 150th anniversary in 2026. The Eco Committee has mobilised a range of initiatives and continues to inspire the community to do more – from eliminating single-use plastics and setting up recycling points, to developing ‘plantable’ eco-poppies and carbon off-setting flights on international schools trips.  The 365 Club aims to galvanise people to take personal responsibility and recognise that even small changes can create a ripple effect and make a powerful, positive impact.