Hackney-based EcoACTIVE Education take their very distinctive mobile units to schools and community events to increase understanding of environmental and sustainability issues. Both vehicles feature interactive exhibits, display materials and equipment for workshop activities. The electric powered unit, complete with solar panels and a wind turbine, focuses on waste minimisation and energy conservation. The customised Brox bike unit with its ‘Tardis-like’ trailer is equipped for composting education.

EcoACTIVE has been running environmental education programmes in Hackney and the surrounding boroughs since 1996. It was initially based in an education centre in Upper Clapton, and then began working in 2002 with the mobile education units. Using their interactive displays and other activities, EcoACTIVE aims to teach people of all ages about sustainable development and to highlight individuals’ impact on the environment. Activities are as ‘hands-on’ as possible, and include making recycled paper, reusing scrap materials, setting up wormeries/composting facilities and investigating renewable energy sources.

Currently EcoACTIVE works mainly in primary schools, although they would like to cater more for secondary schools and special schools. Their website features a Resources page, full of downloadable teaching materials.

Case study issued in November 2005