Schoolboy issues desperate plea to 'bin your face mask'

An Edinburgh school boy has issued a desperate plea to city residents to dispose of their masks responsibly after encountering almost 40 on his 10 minute walk to school.

Aiden enjoying a day out picking strawberries with his family

Aiden Webb, 10, from Liberton became extremely concerned when his brother with autism would begin picking up face masks that he found lying on the ground when the family were out enjoying their outdoor adventures.

The P6 pupil only recently took up environmental activism after being inspired by his step-mother and school who both instilled an important focus on protecting the environment as well as others in your community.

When asked about what makes the environment so important to him, Aiden said: “I think it is important because of the lockdown and being outside always makes me feel better and free. I love running and playing in open spaces and making dens in the woods.

Potentially contagious discarded mask

“But I worry about the rubbish in our community all the time because my little brother has autism and sometimes he picks up things he sees on the ground. It always makes my stepmom worry and I always worry that he might get sick if my stepmom or dad do not catch him in time.

“I also love animals and hate seeing the rubbish on the ground because what if it hurts the wildlife? Think about the little baby rabbits, foxes, hedgehogs and maybe even outdoor cats!”

He continued to say that people have to consider that someone has to pick up those disposed and potentially contagious masks - risking their health to clean up our mess.

Aiden lives with ADHD and as a consequence never really sought a major interest in individual topics - so his taking an interest in environmental causes has meant the world to him and his family.

Dispose of masks responsibly poster designed by Aiden

His step-mother, Simone Munro, said: “I am so proud of the little boy that Aiden is growing up to be, everyday he amazes me with his strength and determination to make changes in his home life, for himself and now for others around him.”

Aiden has begun to design posters for his local area and will look to put them up in the community.

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