The Story of Your Stuff competition 2022 launched by the EPA is asking second-level students from across Cork to consider the global consequences of their local actions.
The competition asks students to think about the wider environmental impact of their everyday decisions.
It asks students to research the life cycle and environmental impact of an everyday item, such as their plastic water bottle or eating their lunch and to present their findings in a creative way.
The Story of Your Stuff competition is in its sixth year and aims to empower students to educate themselves about their day-to-day life choices.
Entrants visually tell the environmental story of their ‘stuff’ through a creative medium of their choice (including video, animation, infographics, photography, etc.).
They are then in with a chance to win €500 for themselves and €500 for their school. There is also a special ‘climate topic prize’ as well as a prize for the best Irish language entry.
Aeronautical engineer, citizen scientist-astronaut candidate and award-winning STEM advocate, Dr Norah Patten returns as competition ambassador for 2022.
Speaking of the competition, Dr Patten said:
“The Story of Your Stuff is a fantastic initiative, and I am delighted to take on the role of competition ambassador for a second year. Its focus on thinking, talking, and making changes to consumption habits, highlights to students the impact they have as individuals on our environment and climate change. It also allows them to develop important skills that they will use throughout their studies and into the future. I hope The Story of Your Stuff can be an entry point into environmental research and science communication for a new generation.”
Last year the inaugural Irish-language prize was awarded to Rebecca Ni Challanain and Kate Ni Mhathuna from Gaelcholaiste Charraig Ui Leighin, Carrigaline, Co. Cork for their entry, ‘Scéal Lipéad Crochadh’ which looked at clothing labels.
Competition guidelines and tips are available at www.thestoryofyourstuff.ie.
The deadline for entries is Monday, 7th March 2022.
