Young entrepreneurs in the west of Scotland are being encouraged to lead an environmental revolution by taking part in interactive sustainability sessions.

Around 1000 primary and secondary pupils are getting involved in the Circular Economy Challenge, a programme run by Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) and funded by the ScottishPower Foundation.

In a series of innovative practical workshops, young people will be encouraged to think about how businesses can run effectively and successfully in a world with finite resources by making their own sustainable product.

Sustainability sessions will show youngsters how to eliminate waste and reduce dependency on natural resources, and will also address the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.

Young people from each school will create and market their own product or service and present it to a panel of industry experts at the end of the process.

Young Enterprise Scotland chief executive Geoff Leask said: "As a global community, we’re eating into finite resources and that can’t work in the longer term.

"A circular economy model – where the goods of today become the resources of tomorrow – will help to prevent future shortages of food, water and housing.

"More than 200,000 jobs are expected to be created in the circular economy sector in Britain by 2030, so it’s vital that we provide young people with the skills and aptitudes they will need to lead and work in businesses in the future.

"The circular economy sessions will get young people thinking about how they would redesign the current model, and will also increase awareness of and respect for the environment.

"We’re very proud to be running the challenge in schools across the west of Scotland – and we could not do this without the support of the ScottishPower Foundation. We hope the activities will help enterprising young minds of today prepare for the economy of tomorrow."

YES aims to inspire young people by equipping them with skills to learn and succeed through enterprise.

The ScottishPower Foundation is a charitable organisation which aims to enhance the quality of life in local communities by supporting causes close to people’s hearts, such as developing the UK’s future generation and fighting against climate change.

The Circular Economy Challenge is one of 17 different charitable projects selected by the ScottishPower Foundation from across the UK to receive a slice of funding totalling more than £1m this year.

Ann McKechin, Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation, said: "The impact of waste on our environment is one of the most pressing issues we’re facing in today’s society, so we’re delighted to support this great initiative.

"Young Enterprise Scotland continues to be innovative in its approach to engaging young people and supporting them with transferrable skills for the future."

Starting in August, the Circular Economy Challenge will run across 40 schools, working with around 1000 young people.  

Activities will help enhance skills across creativity, teamworking, presentation and finance.

Issued by Beattie, the Integrated Communications Agency, on behalf of Young Enterprise Scotland.