No more waste theme months, but NWAI is set for June launch

The move comes as a result of restructuring within Going for Green and the Tidy Britain Group, the environmental awareness organisation which previously ran the campaign. Last year's campaign included a “Waste Open Week” which saw waste operators open their facilities to the public, a “bag for life” initiative and an emphasis on abandoned supermarket trolleys.

The Tidy Britain Group and Going for Green have now ceased to trade and will become dormant companies. They have transferred all their undertakings and activities to Environmental Campaigns (trading as ENCAMS) which was previously the umbrella company of the organisation. The two names will continue as brands within ENCAMS, which is now the operating company, with the same charitable status and objects of the previous two.

And as agreed with the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), ENCAMS will continue to focus on the three key environmental topics that Going for Green concentrated on. ‘Litter’ ‘Waste’ and ‘Water’ will continue to be organisational objectives but the campaigns will now have a clearer focus.

ENCAMS will also continue to be involved in the government's Are You Doing Your Bit campaign at a local level.

ENCAMS explained the situation and said: “In agreement with DEFRA and with consultation from partners, ENCAMS will no longer be pursuing “Theme Months”, despite its past success. Instead ENCAMS will be focusing on specific yearly campaigns, highlighting public action on issues at various points in the calendar year.”

During 2002/03, ENCAMS plans to run two waste campaigns including a textile/clothes recycling initiative and a paper recycling promotion.

NWAI

Despite the demise of Waste Month, national efforts to promote recycling and waste minimisation will not disappear. In June this year the National Waste Awareness Initiative is due to be launched. This will involve work with retailers and the promotion of a “branded message” to the public. The Initiative is being planned by London-based Wastewatch and SWAP.