Sirius Environmental Action Group presents at Sub-Regional Final
Sirius Environmental Action Group presents at Sub-Regional Final of ‘Big Ideas’ competition.
The Sirius Environmental Action Group attended their first Solutions for the Planet Conference, held in Leeds, in March. The aim was to inspire the members to come up with a “big idea” that could change the planet. One of the ideas submitted by the group was to make a device that could be placed in bins and played a sound when litter was deposited. The team produced a detailed business plan and presentation and submitted it to a panel of judges. This idea was highly marked, and awarded a place at the sub-regional final.
The team (Carrie Harness, Becky Taylor and Samantha Sunley), had to further develop the idea, and produce a polished presentation to demonstrate how “Talking Trash” (as the idea became known) could provide a solution to the problem of litter. Assisted by the rest of the group the team practiced their script, battled IT problems and finally submitted their entry. On Wednesday 11th May, the group visited the University of Hull. As soon as they entered the main lecture theatre of the Business School, nerves started to show! However, these were calmed with a tour of the University, followed by lunch. By the time the group arrived back in the lecture theatre, the five judges were in their seats. They were drawn from Morrison Utilities, The Prince’s Trust, Yorkshire Water, Balfour Beatty and Partners in Innovation.
The nine teams had five minutes to present their case as to why their “Big Idea” was the best, explaining the finance, circle of influence and next steps. Then followed a grilling by the judges, much akin to that seen on “Dragon’s Den”. The Sirius team performed admirably under this pressure, answering the questions with confidence. The judges praised the idea, and would have had further questions if time was not called.
The teams were sent for refreshments while the judges deliberated. After a nervous 40 minutes, we were allowed back to here the result that “Stomp out Stupid” were automatically through to the final, to be held at the Houses of Parliament. The other teams have to wait until the 23rd May to see if they have been selected as well.
Sirius Environmental Action Group delivered an excellent presentation and presented and extremely positive image of the Academy. Fingers crossed until the 23rd of May.
“Talking Trash…coming to a bin near you!”
