Irish schools are the most environmentally friendly in the world, with more school children per capita involved in an international "green" programme than any other country, according to An Taisce.
More than 37 per cent of Irish schools are participating in the Green Schools programme, an international environmental scheme funded by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Schools taking part are awarded a green flag and considered "eco-friendly" if they divert 45 per cent of their waste from landfill through recycling projects.
"Ireland is, beyond doubt, the most successful participating country worldwide and students from Irish green schools are displaying far better behaviour towards the environment in comparison to students not involved in the programme," Ms Patricia Oliver, director of the An Taisce Environmental Education Unit, said yesterday.
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