Meet the schoolgirl, 10, who has managed to ban plastic bottles

Emilia Hamilton, from Netherlee, began a campaign to end single-use plastic in schools around six weeks ago.

After her seven-year-old brother bought a plastic water bottle from the school's tuck shop, Emilia was on a mission to implement change.

Emilia's mum Trisha Hamilton, said: "Emilia wondered why they were selling single-use plastic bottles in the school when they are taught the importance of saving the planet.

"After this discovery, she e-mailed her headteacher, followed by the council, who informed her that the decision to sell plastic in schools is to allow children the option of buying bottled water."

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However, the Netherlee Primary School pupil and eco-committee member could not agree with such a compromise to the planet. 

Emelia began a petition shortly after on change.org and took her case to local councillors David McDonald and Annette Ireland.

The councillors were "very supportive" of Emilia's mission, and helped her draft up her motion, which she presented to the council recently.

Emilia's presentation was read out during the council meeting.

She stated: "We’re the only school in Scotland that I’ve found so far that sells bottled water in primary schools.

"I think by banning the sale of plastic water bottles we can not only make a big difference to the planet, but we can set an example to all the other schools and councils in Scotland.

"It’s a small change but can make a big difference, and I want a healthy planet to grow up in for me and my friends."

The motion aims to enforce a plastic-free strategy in East Renfrewshire schools, where the council would commit to engaging with teachers and students to eradicate single-use plastics.

Following the meeting, the motion has passed.

A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council said: "The motion was put forward by two councillors and was passed unanimously." 

Trisha said: "Emelia was over the moon with the news, and she is so grateful to all the councillors for supporting her.

"I’m so proud of her for standing up for what she believes in and for having the courage to campaign for change.

"The councillors have been so supportive of her, and she’s delighted that East Renfrewshire will now work towards implementing these changes.

"I can’t wait to see what she does next."

Aside from her mum, her brother is also very proud of his sister's drive for change.

Trisha said: "He loves her to bits.

"He's so proud of her and he just idolizes her. She inspires him and we think she's great."

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Emelia's friends and her school have also been incredibly supportive of her campaign.

With mum's friends signing her petition, and teachers asking Emelia to talk to the class, her school and surrounding peers have been captivated by the youngster's mission.

Going forward, Emilia plans to tackle the whole of Scotland to try and enforce the plastic water bottle ban across the entire country.