Northampton siblings claim top prizes in competition inspiring children to upcycle waste

A sibling duo have scooped the top prizes of a national competition designed to inspire children to upcycle waste.

Sam and Abigail Debenham, from Northampton, had to come up with a creative idea and then design a poster to tell others about their upcycling missions, for a competition in partnership with National Geographic Kids UK.

Eight-year-old Sam’s winning idea teaches people how to upcycle milk cartons into bird feeders, while runner-up, 11-year-old Abigail’s poster shares how to purpose food tins into stilts.

First place winner, Sam, commenting on his competition win, said: “My poster was inspired by the time I'd spent bird-watching during lockdown.

“I love wildlife and thought it would be a good idea to base my design on making a birdfeeder out of reusable materials.

“When mum told me that I was the overall winner, I was so excited that I couldn't stop smiling.”

Abigail, Sam’s sister who was named the runner-up, said: “I wanted to include a light bulb in my poster because I think the circular economy is a brilliant idea.

“I think people should look to waste less and try to be more creative with things they already have.”

The competition invited readers to learn about the circular economy, a sustainable system aimed at eliminating waste, reducing resource use and maintaining the value of products for as long as possible.

The siblings each scooped £250 in vouchers for The Entertainer toy shop for their efforts.

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