In the UK, 141 campaigns have been carried out by both councils and waste management companies. These have centred on targeting waste generated by shoppers – through single-use bags and food waste – and encouraging the reuse of unwanted items (see letsrecycle.com story).
The majority of UK efforts have taken place in East Anglia under the guidance of the Government Office of the East of England, with efforts being coordinated by the Waste Awareness Wales and Waste Awareness Scotland in the other parts of the UK.
Central Beds
Central Bedfordshire council has concentrated its efforts on the theme of reuse by working together with third sector organisation Preen. The council has set-up dedicated reuse containers at its Biggleswade and Ampthill household waste and recycling sites for unwanted items.
“Reuse containers are a really simple and effective way of reducing unnecessary waste and helping people in need,” said Preen director Kathy Lewis. “There's been a fantastic response from the public and they've filled both containers once already this week.”
In addition, the council carried out a ‘Dragon's e-den' project with Max McMurdo, a former contestant on BBC show ‘Dragon's Den'.
The day consisted of pupils at Manheads Upper School in Caddington creating a project to promote environmental policies using recycled and reused material. Projects were then scrutinised by Mr McMurdo, with the winner being created at a larger scale and installed in the council offices before being relocated to the school grounds.
Southwark
In the London borough of Southwark, the local authority has worked with its waste contractor Veolia Environmental Services to hold a number of events over the week.
These have included a ‘smart shopping' day at Elephant & Castle shopping centre to promote reusable bags and give advice on how to shop to avoid food waste. In addition, an information day on the use of real nappies was held to help curb the 90,000 tonnes of waste generated each year and free give and take day in Bermondsey.
Councillor Paul Kyriacou, executive member for environment at Southwark Council, said: “We're all trying to do our bit to recycle more and be more environmentally aware in what we buy and what we throw away. So sessions like these are great for learning about reducing, reusing, and recycling, and we hope our residents find them useful.”
Greater Manchester
And, in Greater Manchester, the region's Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) worked with its contractor Viridor-Laing to reinforce WRAP's ‘Love Food, Hate Waste' message – which is aimed at cutting food waste.
The campaign took place across the 10 district councils in Greater Manchester and builds on work done to promote the message in April this year (see letsrecycle.com story).
Peter Heginbotham, chairman of Viridor-Laing Greater Manchester, said: “The ‘Love Food, Hate Waste' campaign is proving to be a great success in Greater Manchester and its continued promotion during waste reduction week demonstrates our commitment to reducing waste in the region.”
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