PRIMARY PUPILS and their families across Perth and Kinross are being urged to turn off the taps while brushing their teeth to help save the planet.

Youngsters are being urged to get involved in the Scottish Government’s national environment campaign by pledging to save water as part of the wider 10 Steps To A Greener Scotland initiative.

Five litres a time could be saved by turning off the tap during teeth brushing.

Perth and Kinross presently boasts 17 Green Flag primaries—Eco School’s highest award rating—so it is thought youngsters’ green credentials will make them keen to sign up.

Kate Campbell, manager of Eco Schools Scotland said they and their 3072 participating schools across the country were delighted to support the Government’s greener Scotland campaign.

“Water is a key topic of the Eco Schools programme. Pupils are encouraged to look at saving water and other water-related issues at both school and in the home,” she said.

“Some examples include turning off the tap whilst brushing their teeth and putting water ‘hippos’ into toilet cisterns to reduce the amount of water needed per flush.

“Young people are the future of Scotland so it’s hugely important that we educate them on sustainability issues and encourage them to take action both individually and through encouraging their wider families to also do their bit—thinking globally, but acting locally.”

Welcoming the support of Eco School, Environment Minister, Michael Russell said, “Even in a country that is as wet as Scotland we must do all we can to conserve water.

“It requires a lot of energy to treat and pump water to Scotland’s homes which in turn contributes towards climate change as more carbon is released into the atmosphere.”