Teenagers at a Suffolk school have embraced the plastic-free lifestyle as part of their enterprise project.
A team of pupils at Woodbridge School have been getting to grips with the world of business by creating their own brand, D.O.G.
D.O.G. stands for Durable. Organic. Green. and represents the environmental message behind the company’s plastic-free products for pets, which include a dog slip lead.
Sarah Barker, member of the D.O.G. team said: “We worked to come up with a plan that was sustainable but useful. We were thinking about what was a big market.
“Lots of pet products are made of plastic.”
The leads themselves are made of hemp which is grown in the UK and then put together by a family company in Yorkshire.
The students at Woodbridge School then add a leather handle which they hand stitch onto the leads.
All the leather is upcycled material which came from an upholsterer who was going to dispose of it in landfill.
The product packaging is also made from recycled, biodegradable materials.
The project is part of the nationwide Young Enterprise scheme which sees Year 12 students across the country set up their own small businesses.
The Woodbridge School students have had considerable success with their doggy delights and have been selling their products at school and to the general public.
“Before Christmas we did a lot of Christmas markets,” said Sarah.
Since then the D.O.G. team have become a regular fixture at the weekly Woodbridge market and are also looking for other potential stockists of their leads..
With sales accumulating the group are considering moving into other pet-based products such as collars and toys.
Janine Wright, head of enterprise and business teacher, said: “Our team, like many before are thoroughly enjoying their Young Enterprise ‘journey’.
“It is a key part of Woodbridge School’s preparation for life after school as taking part develops student’s creativity, resilience and teamwork skills.
“The school has an enviable track record of success in this national competition with many teams reaching the regional and national finals.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here