European Week for Waste Reduction
Residents are being encouraged to shrink their bins during European Week for Waste Reduction (20 – 28 November 2010) as recently released government figures reveal that Hounslow households created almost 96,000 tonnes of rubbish in 2009/10 – enough to fill 45 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Hounslow residents managed to reduce their household waste by 2.5 percent last year, but on average each of us generated 434 kg of rubbish – that’s about 22 times heavier than the luggage allowance for a flight – and although 33% was recycled, most ended up in landfill.
The waste-saving week will highlight the many things local residents can do to further shrink their bins, such as: reusing, swapping, repairing, sharing, and only buying what you need. And on Sunday 21 November, West London Waste Authority will launch a new website – www.westlondonwaste.gov.uk – to help residents reduce, reuse and recycle everything from batteries and books to paint, plastic packaging and toys.
The initiative will see citizens across Europe take action to reduce waste and prevent precious resources from being needlessly thrown away. Last year 2,670 actions took place across 14 European countries. This year, over 40 events are planned across London alone, from recycled fashion shows to school competitions. Hounslow will be holding its own public events during the week, including:
Monday 22 November 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm |
Swishing event – residents can swap clothes they no longer want for ones they do, all for free. |
Hounslow Civic Centre Lampton Road, Hounslow, TW3 4DN |
Wednesday 24 November 12 pm – 2 pm |
Love Food Hate Waste roadshow – pick up freebies and tips to make the most of food. |
Hounslow Civic Centre Lampton Road, Hounslow, TW3 4DN |
Wednesday 24 November 7 pm |
Presentation at Brentford Recycling Action Group about preventing waste, followed by a Give and Take event. |
Age UK, Alexandra House, Albany Road, BRENTFORD, TW8 0NE |
Saturday 27 November 10am – 4 pm
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Open day at Hounslow Furniture reuse project – support your local furniture reuse shop, go and shop or donate unwanted items that others can benefit from. Learn about what they do and the people they help. |
Carnegie Hall, Northcote Ave, Isleworth, TW7 7JQ |
Cllr Corinna Smart, Hounslow’s executive member for the environment said: “This is a great opportunity for us all to redouble our efforts to prevent tonnes of rubbish going to landfill. Even recycling uses energy and resources, so it’s best to try to reduce the amount of waste we produce in the first place. The events taking place across the capital and in Hounslow are all about inspiring people to help prevent waste, protect the environment and save money, energy and natural resources.”
To find out more about the week and to see how you can reduce your waste, visit www.westlondonwaste.gov.uk (from 21 November).
November 18, 2010