Outdoor learning spaces help schools create engaging, inclusive environments that support student wellbeing, creativity, and sustainability. Recycled plastic furniture offers a durable, low-maintenance solution for designing safe and eco-friendly outdoor classrooms built to last.
Table of Contents
- Outdoor learning spaces improve concentration, creativity, and student well-being.
- Recycled plastic furniture is durable, weather-resistant, and built for year-round outdoor use.
- It requires minimal maintenance, saving schools time and money.
- Choosing recycled plastic supports sustainability goals by reducing waste and repurposing plastic.
- Smooth, splinter-free surfaces provide a safe seating option for children.
- Accessible furniture helps create inclusive outdoor spaces for all students.
- Thoughtful design, seating layouts, and customisation can make outdoor classrooms more engaging and functional.
- Recycled plastic furniture is a long-term investment that benefits both education and the environment.
As the push towards more sustainable and versatile educational environments grows, schools and educational institutions are increasingly exploring the benefits of outdoor learning spaces. These spaces not only foster a connection with nature but also offer a dynamic environment that can enhance the learning experience. One of the key elements in designing these outdoor areas is the selection of durable, sustainable furniture, and recycled plastic options are leading the way. On of our customers Sprout Up Schools, a landscaping company specifically setup to improve outdoor areas in schools, states, “It’s important to provide outdoor areas where students can sit and be amongst nature.”
The Importance of Outdoor Learning Spaces
Outdoor learning has become an essential part of the modern educational landscape. Studies have shown that students who spend time learning outside often exhibit improved concentration, creativity, and overall well-being. These spaces encourage hands-on activities and allow students to engage with the environment, providing a break from the traditional classroom setting.
However, creating a functional and sustainable outdoor learning space requires careful consideration of the materials used. This is where recycled plastic furniture plays a pivotal role.
Why Choose Recycled Plastic Furniture?
Recycled plastic furniture is the perfect choice for outdoor learning spaces, offering a multitude of benefits that align with both environmental and educational goals. Here are 4 reasons:
1. Durability and Longevity
Recycled plastic furniture is incredibly durable, resistant to weather conditions, and won’t rot, splinter, or degrade like traditional wood. This makes it ideal for outdoor environments that need to withstand the elements year-round.
2. Low Maintenance
Unlike wood, recycled plastic requires minimal maintenance. It does not need painting, staining, or sealing, which means more time can be focused on learning rather than upkeep.
3. Sustainable
By choosing furniture made from recycled plastic, schools can reduce their environmental footprint. Each piece of furniture contributes to the reduction of plastic waste, turning it into something functional and sustainable. For example, our Calder 8-Seater Circular Picnic Table embodies 190.75kg of carbon, equivalent to 9,722 one-pint milk containers.
4. Safety and Comfort
Recycled plastic is smooth and free from splinters, ensuring a safe seating option for children. Additionally, the furniture is available in various designs, including accessible options like the Bradshaw Accessible Picnic Table, which is designed for wheelchair users, promoting inclusivity in outdoor spaces.
Designing Your Outdoor Learning Space
When planning an outdoor learning space, consider the following tips to make the most of your environment:
1. Seating Arrangement
Choose versatile seating options like the Otley Activity Picnic Table, which can comfortably seat both children and adults. This table comes with activity tops that encourage creative learning and collaboration.
2. Accessibility
Ensure that your outdoor learning space is inclusive by incorporating tables with wheelchair access, like the Calder 8-Seater Circular Picnic Table with Wheelchair Accessibility. This promotes equality and allows all students to participate in outdoor activities.
3. Colour and Customisation
Incorporate colours that resonate with your school’s branding or promote a vibrant learning atmosphere. Products like the Brimham Square Picnic Table offer customisable colour options, allowing you to select school or team colours.
4. Sustainability Messaging
Use the outdoor space as an educational tool to teach students about sustainability. Display signs or hold discussions on how recycled plastic furniture helps reduce waste and promotes environmental stewardship.
Case Study: Sprout Up Schools
Sprout Up Schools stands at the forefront of a movement to enrich the lives of children, educators, and the planet through a deeper connection with nature. By helping schools maximise their outdoor spaces, they enable a transformational educational experience that fosters a love for the environment. Their mission aims to plant the seeds for a brighter and greener future, where children grow into confident and compassionate custodians of the Earth.
As part of a recent school project, Sprout Up Schools embraced sustainability and environmental responsibility by incorporating our Skipton Curve Bench into their outdoor learning spaces. Made from recycled materials, this bench is a testament to the school’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting recycling. The beautifully designed Skipton Curve Bench offers durability, low maintenance, and resistance to weather and vandalism, making it ideal for enhancing outdoor spaces specifically in schools.
Sprout Up Schools sets an excellent example for students by integrating sustainable outdoor furniture into their learning environments. This initiative not only provides a practical seating solution but also reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship among students. British Recycled Plastic is proud to support this effort by providing high-quality, long-lasting furniture that makes a positive impact on the environment.
Creating outdoor learning spaces with recycled plastic furniture is a smart investment in both education and the environment. These spaces not only offer students a refreshing change of scenery but also reinforce the importance of sustainability. By choosing durable, sustainable furniture, schools can create outdoor areas that are safe, inclusive, and conducive to learning.
If you’re looking to design an outdoor learning space, explore our range of recycled plastic furniture options. Together, we can create spaces that inspire learning and protect the planet.
Explore Our Products and start building your sustainable outdoor learning environment today!
Email us info@britishrecycledplastic.co.uk or give us a call on 01422 419 555.
Let’s work together to create a greener, more sustainable future for our schools and communities.
Yes, British Recycled Plastic offers expert guidance to help you select the perfect products for your specific setting. Whether you’re designing a schoolyard, public park, commercial premises, or residential garden, our knowledgeable team is here to assist.
We’ll assess your requirements—such as accessibility, durability, aesthetics, and sustainability—and recommend the best solutions from our extensive range. From accessible furniture and picnic tables to ground reinforcement grids, we’ll ensure you have everything needed to create a functional and attractive outdoor space.
Contact us today at 01422 419 555 or email info@britishrecycledplastic.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to provide tailored advice for your project.
British Recycled Plastic accessible furniture is designed to provide inclusive, durable, and sustainable solutions for outdoor spaces. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice for wheelchair users:
- Inclusive Design:
Our wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and benches are thoughtfully designed with extended tabletop overhangs and ample legroom to ensure comfort and ease of use for all individuals. - Durability and Weather Resistance:
Made from 100% recycled plastic, our furniture is completely weatherproof and resistant to rot, splintering, or decay. It’s built to withstand heavy use and harsh outdoor conditions for decades. - Low Maintenance:
Unlike wood or metal, recycled plastic furniture requires no painting, staining, or treatments. A simple clean with soapy water keeps it looking like new. - Sustainability:
By choosing British Recycled Plastic, you’re not only providing accessible options but also supporting sustainability. Our products repurpose waste plastic, reducing environmental impact while creating long-lasting furniture. - Versatile Applications:
Perfect for parks, schools, town centers, and private gardens, our accessible furniture blends functionality with style, ensuring inclusion and comfort in any outdoor space.
With British Recycled Plastic wheelchair-accessible furniture, you’re investing in products that promote inclusivity, durability, and sustainability while enhancing outdoor spaces for everyone.
Our friendly team are available 5 days a week. Give us a call – we are happy to help: 01422 419 555
Absolutely. When planted with carbon-absorbing species, our planters make excellent smog shields, particularly at school gates and urban spaces.
British Recycled Plastic litter bins are the ideal solution for schools, combining durability, sustainability, and practicality to keep school grounds clean and litter-free. Made from 100% recycled plastic, our bins are designed to withstand the daily wear and tear of busy environments while promoting eco-conscious values.
Why Choose British Recycled Plastic Litter Bins for Schools?
- Durable and Safe: Weatherproof, rot-resistant, and splinter-free, they’re built to last and safe for use in areas with children.
- Sustainable: By choosing our recycled plastic bins, schools actively contribute to reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental awareness.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and resistant to damage, they’re perfect for busy school environments.
By investing in British Recycled Plastic litter bins, schools can maintain cleaner campuses while teaching students the importance of sustainability and responsibility. It’s a smart, green choice for educational settings.
British Recycled Plastic benches are maintenance free and come with a 25 year guarantee making them a top choice for outdoor seating. Their advantages include:
- Durability: Resistant to rot, rust, splinters, and insect damage, these benches withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike wood or metal, recycled plastic benches require no painting, staining, or regular upkeep. A simple wash keeps them looking like new.
- Sustainable: Made from 100% recycled materials, these benches reduce plastic waste, promote sustainability, and minimise environmental impact.
- Weather Resistance: Recycled plastic benches are impervious to water and UV rays, so they won’t fade, warp, or crack over time.
- Cost-Effective: Their durability and minimal maintenance make recycled plastic benches them a more economical choice in the long erm.
- Safe and Comfortable: Splinter-free and smooth, these benches are safe for all users, including children and pets.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Available in a range of styles and colours, British Recycled Plastic benches can suit any outdoor environment, from parks and schools to gardens and memorial sites.
- Customisable: recycled plastic benches can be personalised with plaques, engravings, or logos, making them ideal for memorials or branding.
Why Buy from British Recycled Plastic?
Choosing British Recycled Plastic means you’re supported every step of the way. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer support team is available five days a week to help you choose the perfect bench for your needs. Whether it’s advice on styles, sizes, or customisation options, we’re here to assist. By buying from British Recycled Plastic, you’re not just investing in high-quality, sustainable furniture—you’re also backed by exceptional customer care that ensures your experience is seamless and satisfying.
We recognise the importance of early education about the importance of recycling if we, as a society, are to change the way we look at rubbish and stop treating it as though it is someone else’s problem.
However, we are unable at this time to give talks to schools on recycling, although most local councils usually have a recycling officer who will be happy to arrange something.
British Recycled Plastic uses three different factories in the UK, each a specialist in producing one or more of our products. Currently none are open to school visits.
As with all industrial locations, there are health and safety implications for groups of children where heavy machinery is operating and each factory has varying capacity to accept visits.
Due to its exceptional durability, recycled plastic furniture can last outdoors for an incredibly long time. In fact, British Recycled Plastic offers a 25-year guarantee on all of our products. But we believe it will last a lifetime.
One of our recycled plastic benches has been in a public space in the Calder Valley region for over 15 years, exposed to all the elements, and it’s still going strong! This is a testament to the durability of recycled plastic material.
This bench has been serving up scenic views on Hollins Lane for 15 years, and guess what? It hasn’t aged a day (thanks…
Posted by British Recycled Plastic on Wednesday 3 July 2024
Who benefits from this longevity?
Schools outdoor furniture – Enjoy years of worry-free use, even with heavy wear and tear from students.
Public Parks & Councils outdoor furniture – Reduce maintenance costs and replacements, ensuring a consistently tidy and inviting space for the community.
Hostels & Caravan Parks outdoor furniture – Provide durable and low-maintenance furniture that can withstand frequent use and various weather conditions.
Recycled plastic furniture is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution for their outdoor spaces.
The image provides a clear overview of how we, at British Recycled Plastic, transform UK plastic waste into durable and sustainable outdoor furniture:
Waste Arrives at Recycling Plant: The journey begins with the collection of plastic waste from various sources across the UK.
Quality Control: The incoming waste undergoes an initial quality check to ensure it’s suitable for recycling.
Shred: The plastic waste is shredded into smaller, manageable pieces.
Wash: The shredded plastic is thoroughly washed to remove contaminants like dirt, labels, and other debris.
Quality Control: Another quality check is performed to ensure the plastic is clean and ready for further processing.
Melt: The clean plastic flakes are melted at a high temperature (200°C) to create a molten material.
Blend: Additives and colorants might be added to the molten plastic to enhance its properties and appearance.
Quality Control: The blended mixture undergoes yet another quality check before proceeding.
Extrude: The molten plastic is extruded into long, continuous profiles, similar to wooden planks.
Cool: The extruded profiles are cooled and solidified to form sturdy, durable planks.
Quality Control & Testing: The final product is rigorously tested to ensure it meets our high standards for strength, durability, and safety.
Ready for Use: The recycled plastic planks are now ready to be used in the manufacturing of our outdoor furniture.
Benches, Tables, Fencing, and More: These planks are skillfully crafted into a variety of outdoor furniture pieces, including benches, tables, and fencing.
End Result: High-quality, maintenance-free outdoor furniture that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly.
British Recycled Plastic discounts for schools – Sometimes there are “school focused” special offers, so keep an eye on our social media feeds and our news pages here, or sign up for our newsletter.
Many of our school customers take advantage of our multi-buy discounts which apply from as few as two of the same product.
