Initiative aims to engage young people in sustainability and climate awareness
Fyffes has announced a new partnership with UK-based purpose-led company Future We Want to empower thousands of young people to take meaningful climate action and reduce food waste within their communities.
The two-to-four-year collaboration will see the launch of the ‘How Bad Are Bananas?’ youth programme across 13 national youth organisations in the UK, equipping group leaders with the tools and training to deliver engaging carbon literacy education.
The programme, inspired by the acclaimed book How Bad Are Bananas? by Mike Berners-Lee, professor of sustainability at Lancaster University, introduces a new carbon literacy course for youth group leaders. The course aims to make climate education practical, engaging and actionable.
“There is a myth that tropical fruit is comparatively high carbon,” explained Caoimhe Buckley, director of corporate affairs at Fyffes. “What many don’t realise is that bananas are one of the most sustainable foods, with a relatively low carbon footprint. We’re thrilled to partner with Future We Want on this innovative initiative to engage young people in sustainability and climate awareness.”
Complementing the course is The Bananas Game, which uses data from Berners-Lee’s book to spark conversations around carbon emissions, food waste, and everyday behaviour changes that reduce environmental impact.
“This project is about empowering youth leaders with the knowledge and confidence to inspire the next generation,” said Dr Emma Fieldhouse, director of Future We Want. “And sometimes the best way to start those conversations is with a bunch of bananas.”
