Recycle for Lewisham

A blog written for residents of Lewisham

Tag Archives: reduce


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A rubbish diet that we can guarantee will work!

With Summer on its way, many of us consider going on a diet, shedding a few pounds to feel healthier or to try and fit into last years swim suit. This year, Lewisham’s recycling team thought it might be an idea to try out a diet with a difference. We have set a challenge to Deptford based childminder, Charlotte Kelly- Skinner, to try out a ‘rubbish diet’- on her wheelie bin!

Over the next eight weeks, Charlotte will see if she can reduce the amount of rubbish she places into her grey domestic refuse bin. Inspired by colleagues in St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Suffolk, where a number of residents have been starving their rubbish bins and helping decrease the overall amount the council sends to landfill (in Lewisham’s case, incineration).

Charlotte Kelly- Skinner, Deptford based childminder pictured with Kate Parkinson from Lewisham's Recycling team.

Charlotte Kelly- Skinner (right), Deptford based childminder being ably assisted by one of Lewisham Council’s Waste Prevention Officers 

So what does a ‘rubbish diet’ entail? Well, really very little effort is needed. Unlike other diets, you won’t have to change your eating habits. Just look at our top five tips listed below and if you start trying these out, you too can join in and slim down your bin so its in tip top shape for summer!

Top five tips to slim your bin

  • If you have an outside space, get yourself a compost bin and start composting! You can place your uncooked food waste in these as well as garden clippings, paper waste etc. Lewisham Council provides one free compost bin to each household so go on line for all information about compost bins at http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/wasterecycle/Garden-waste/Pages/composting.aspx or contact our call centre on 020 8314 7171 to get your hands on one
  • Shop with waste in mind– Start to plan meals, making a list of the ingredients needed and stick to this when shopping. Always take your own bag and try and buy fruit and vegetables which are unpackaged.
  • Think about your food waste– Try not to cook more than you need by measuring quantities before cooking. If you do have leftovers, cool, cover and save them in the fridge or freezer. See http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/ for more info.
  • Ditch the disposable– Could you do without buying cling film and silver foil? If you use disposable nappies for your little ones, consider cloth nappies even if you just buy a reusable nappy for trips to the swimming pool, this will help to reduce the waste you produce.
  • Recycle, recycle, recycle- if you have done all of the above, most things left over can go into the recycling bin. For a full list of the things which can be recycled in Lewisham, please visit: http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/wasterecycle/Pages/what-can-i-put-in-my-recycling-bin.aspx


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Junior Citizens learn all about recycling

The Council’s recycling team have again been involved in the annual Junior Citizen programme. This year it has been held at the Lee Green Fire Station on Eltham Road and aims to teach children about the dangers of drugs, safety on public transport and talking to strangers amongst many other subjects including recycling and waste.

 The recycling team do already run a successful Clean and Clean programme across the borough in Lewisham’s primary schools, however this gives us another opportunity to engage with children further and to talk to them about the 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We also talk about what should and shouldn’t go into the recycling bins and finally give them some examples of what happens to the things they recycle and what they eventually end up being recycled into.

 Groups of children go from room to room in the fire station and spend around 12 minutes in each learning something new. It is hoped that what they learn about recycling can be taken home and taught to their parents. The two week event finishes on Friday.


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Climate Week in Lewisham

Next week is Climate Week – a national occasion that offers an annual renewal of our ambition and confidence to combat climate change. It is for everyone wanting to do their bit to protect our planet and create a secure future.

Climate Week will shine a spotlight on the many positive steps already being taken in workplaces and communities across Britain. The power of these real, practical examples – the small improvements and the big innovations – will then inspire millions more people.

Thousands of businesses, charities, schools, councils and others will run events during Climate Week on 21-27 March 2011. They will show what can be achieved, share ideas and encourage thousands more to act during the rest of the year. You can find out more about the campaign, including how to get involved by visiting the Climate Week website.

There are also a number of events happening in Lewisham which you can get involved in … you can visit our own recycle map to see the location of these events – look for the orange suns! or the Climate Week website to find your nearest one.

Crafts and Draughts Event Saturday 26 March 2- 4pm

A FREE event for people of all ages where you can

  • make useful things for your home from recycled materials
  • learn how to make your home warmer
  • get information on how to get involved in a community garden
  • the winner of our Climate Week competition will be announced.

Carbon Compact Launch
Climate Week sees the launch of Lewisham’s Carbon Compact supporting delivery of the borough’s target of a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020.
You can sign up as an individual or an organisation by e-mailing us at energy@lewisham.gov.uk

The Climate Week Challenge
Schools, colleges, businesses and organisations across Lewisham can take part in the biggest ever live environmental competition – the Climate Week Challenge, Monday 21 March.

London Schools Earth Hour
Lewisham Schools are taking part in their own ‘Earth Hour’ from 2 – 3pm on Friday 25 March.

Reducing waste, helping the planet
Thursday 24th March 10.30 – 3.30 pm.
Learn how to reduce your carbon emissions by reducing waste. Sainsbury’s car park, Southend Lane.

Composting information stall
Sunday 27th March 1 – 4pm.
Get a free garden compost bin and learn how to make your own compost. Dacres Wood Nature Reserve.