At Lathallan, we believe in equipping our pupils with real-world knowledge that extends beyond the classroom. This week, we had the privilege of welcoming Colin Forshaw, a recycling industry expert with 25 years of experience, to speak to our senior pupils about waste management, recycling, and the circular economy.
Colin, who runs the Aberdeen City Council contract for Suez, shared his expertise on managing waste, turning it into energy, and protecting both human health and the environment. His engaging talk highlighted the urgent need for change in how we consume and dispose of materials, reinforcing Lathallan’s ethos of protecting and respecting the environment.
From the Suez Canal to Sustainable Solutions
Colin began with the history of Suez, linking its name to the Suez Canal and its evolution into a leader in waste management and recycling. He then broke down the key challenges of waste production, explaining how faulty products, labelling issues, and production waste all contribute to environmental degradation.
Pupils gained a deeper understanding of how waste impacts the planet, from pollution and greenhouse gases to long-term environmental damage. Colin also introduced them to the value chain—the process of extracting raw materials from the earth and turning them into consumer goods. He challenged students to think critically about their own consumption habits and the role they play in shaping a more sustainable future.
An Eye-Opening Statistic
One of the most striking facts from the session was:
“Only 1% of the things we buy are still in use after six months.”
This statistic sparked discussion among pupils about the impact of consumer culture and how generational trends and global waste management policies—especially in major economies like China—have shaped the problem we face today.
Interactive and Engaging Learning
Colin’s talk wasn’t just theoretical – it was interactive and full of real-world examples that students could relate to. Using simple items like Coca-Cola bottles, he demonstrated the complexities of waste management, making the issue tangible and accessible.
From faulty packaging to incorrect labelling, pupils saw first-hand how even minor production errors can lead to massive amounts of waste, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in manufacturing.
A Focus on the Circular Economy
Throughout his talk, Colin emphasised the importance of carbon initiatives and recycling in the circular economy. Instead of following a linear approach of “make, use, dispose,” the circular economy focuses on reuse, repair, and recycling, ensuring that materials and products remain in circulation for as long as possible.
This message strongly aligns with Lathallan’s commitment to environmental responsibility, encouraging pupils to think critically about their own habits and how they can make more sustainable choices.
Thank You, Colin!
We at Lathallan extend a huge thank you to Colin Forshaw for sharing his knowledge and expertise with our pupils. His presentation not only provided valuable insights into the waste industry and recycling sector but also inspired students to consider their own impact on the environment.
Colin’s visit was a fantastic example of how engaging with industry professionals can help bring learning to life, and we look forward to welcoming more guest speakers in the future!