Rethink Waste helps Surrey schools reduce waste
The Rethink Waste scheme has awarded five Surrey schools a total of £3,000.
The scheme is part of the Surrey Environment Partnership’s (SEP) initiative to encourage Surrey residents to reduce their waste.
The prize money will fund various environmental projects at the winning schools, including installing a polytunnel as part of a school allotment, buying a new set of bins to encourage recycling, creating a sensory garden, reclaiming an overgrown outside area and setting up an outdoor classroom.
Rethink Waste’s 12,000 members were able to donate “points” to the schools they thought participated in the most waste reduction activities. The schools with the most points won a share of the prize pot.
Councillor Marisa Heath, chair of SEP, commented: “It’s heartening to see that so many Surrey primary schools are taking part in Rethink Waste and are being funded to deliver some delightful projects that will benefit the environment and improve their pupils’ experience. With over 12,000 households in Surrey taking part, this is a programme that the whole county is getting behind. The teachers who are helping drive this forward are doing fantastic work engaging our young people.”
Recycled outdoor furniture joins ‘love locker’ installation
Derbyshire outdoor furniture business has provided the “love locker” project at Thornbridge Hall with recycled pink and lilac seating.
The seating will be the centrepiece of the project – which moved locks previously hung on a bridge in Bakewell to its “love locker” installation.
TDP, which produces outdoor furniture from recycled plastic, engraved the benches with images of love locks.
Thornbridge Hall owner Emma Harrison offered to provide a new home for the love locks, which total around 40,000 in number, after an outcry following a county council decision to melt them down and carry out repairs to the bridge.
Harrison said: “When I volunteered to provide a home for the love locks, I had no idea what I was taking on.
“I was so happy that TDP wanted to be part of the project, it really lifted my spirits. When they agreed to be involved, I burst into tears!
“TDP was absolutely amazing. The benches they have provided are absolutely stunning and they are going to catch the eye of everybody who sees them.
“I wanted benches to be at the heart of the love locker project because I wanted people to be able to sit and reflect. People need to be able to sit down and really look.”
Keenan Recycling recognised by Westminster
Keenan Recycling has been recognised in UK Parliament for its efforts in “tackling food waste and reducing Falkirk’s carbon footprint”.
Euan Stainbank MP, Scotland’s youngest serving MP, has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) to celebrate the company’s achievements.
Keenan Recycling has diverted over 2,250 tonnes of food waste from landfill since 2019.
Stainbank commented: “Anaerobic digestion is a powerful solution for recycling food waste into renewable energy, helping reduce landfill and making a significant positive impact on the environment. By converting food waste into biofuel, we cut methane emissions and support a cleaner, greener future.
“But we must also focus on redistributing surplus food to those in need, ensuring nothing goes to waste. This sustainable approach not only protects the planet but also creates lasting benefits for communities everywhere.”
Cardiff hits 8,000 returns through reusable cup scheme
The Cardiff “Refill Return Cup” scheme has marked over 8,000 returns since its launch in October 2024.
The scheme enables customers to “borrow” a reusable coffee cup from any participating venue and return it later to be washed and reused.
Two new independent venues have also now joined the scheme: Tidy Kitchen (Museum Place, City Centre) and Suburban Coffee Shop (Rhiwbina).
The scheme was created by FOR Cardiff with £90,000 in funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
FOR Cardiff’s executive director, Carolyn Brownell, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to see the Cardiff Refill Return Cup pilot scheme going from strength to strength, and to be welcoming two new businesses to get involved and help make an even more positive impact.”
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