Comic Relief red nose goes green

The new nose has taken over 18 months to develop, following extensive research and testing into suitable plastic-free alternative materials.

In keeping with the environmentally friendly theme, the noses will be available in 10 different characters representing the great outdoors for the public to collect, including a squirrel, fox and badger.

Comic Relief said that in early 2019 it received letters and emails from hundreds of school children from across the country, asking them to create a plastic-free nose to help reduce single-use plastic waste and protect the environment. Hearing their voices encouraged the charity to step up a gear with its sustainability plans.

One school, Fourlanesend Community Primary School in Cornwall, received the backing of Sir David Attenborough when they wrote to him and shared their alternative red nose suggestion.

Sir David sent them a handwritten letter which said, “you are perfectly correct to revise the question of replacing plastic products wherever we can, and I hope you get an adequate answer from Comic Relief.”

A spokesperson for Comic Relief said: “We are also taking steps to ensure that everyone who buys one of the new 100% plastic-free noses, can enjoy their nose safely and responsibly, when they go on sale early next year. Advice will be shared that aligns with the latest government guidance.”

Red Nose Day is back on Friday, March 19, 2021.