Meet Scotland’s youngest ‘Binfluencer’ helping change recycling habits at home
He had a surprise visit from the Biffa team in Inverness
Little Logan Mitchell may only be five-years-old but he's already teaching his parents how to recycle and has been awarded 'Scotland's Youngest Binfluencer'.
The bin-mad youngster's interest in recycling was sparked by his love of the red Biffa bin lorries which he saw at his nursery at the age of two, from there he got the job of being in charge of recycling.
Then he took his knowledge home and started correcting his parents about which item goes in which bin. He is so passionate about all things recycling that he wants to be a bin man when he's older.
Logan's actions that are helping change behaviours in his home are being mirrored across Scotland, according to a new survey out to mark Recycle Week.
The poll by Censuswide of 3,000 UK adults and 1,000 children aged 5 to 16, commissioned by waste management firm Biffa, revealed that 34% of families in Scotland were recycling more due to their children's education.
A further 43% were reducing food waste in the home, almost 40% were separating waste correctly due to their child's intervention and 36% were using less single use products.
Some families are even saving water(40%) and electricity (43%) as a result of being encouraged by their child.
Katy Mitchell, Logan's mum, said the youngster from Inverness, was inspiring and she was proud he was recognised for his efforts.
He had a surprise visit from the Biffa team in Inverness who recognised him for his recycling efforts. He was delighted to see a red Biffa truck driving down his street and getting his Biffa goodies and sitting in the truck.
Kelsie Macgregor, Biffa Inverness Engagement Champion, told Logan: "We've decided that we're going to nominate you as the youngest Scottish 'Binfluencer' for all the hard work that you're doing."
Mum Katy said: "His love of bin lorries started when he was two and he spotted a Red Biffa bin lorry. At his previous nursery he used to go to the window and tell everyone that the bin men were coming.
"From then he used to make the bin men pictures and the staff used to take him out to speak to the bin men.
"Logan understands what rubbish went into each bin and took on the role at nursery to make sure everyone adhered to it."
Katy said she was grateful for Biffa for helping spark his love of recycling. "By turning up every week to his nursery in the distinctive red lorry Logan grew a passion that not everyone his age would have. The bin men being friendly and chatting to Logan helped him understand which rubbish and recycling objects went into the appropriate bins.
Logan is now very passionate about recycling and wants to be a Biffa bin man when he grows up, he even had a Biffa cake for his fifth birthday, which he was delighted with."
Georgia Gibson, Biffa's Social Value Manager, said: "Never underestimate the pester power of children. What starts in the classroom can quickly make its way into the family home, with children encouraging parents to recycle more, waste less food and make greener choices.
"These findings show that children aren't just learning about sustainability, they're becoming passionate advocates for it. They have the confidence to challenge the adults around them and in doing so, can help turn good intentions into everyday habits.