Schools are being encouraged to set themselves the target of eliminating their reliance on single-use plastics by 2022.
The education secretary, Damian Hinds, has urged headteachers in England to consider using sustainable alternatives instead of non-recyclable plastic for items such as straws, bottles, bags and food packaging.
Hinds said teachers should ensure pupils were aware of the damage that discarded plastics could do to the environment and wildlife.