Can an average person really create Zero Waste? The challenge was set and during the week 10-17 March 2008, one mother in Bury St Edmunds gave it a go. She only threw out a plaster. Can you do it too? Why not try your own Rubbish Diet and slim your bin. You'll be amazed at how easy it really is and you could even save some money. If Almost Mrs Average can do it, you can too.
I know this post is going to show me up as a bit of a recycling groupie because while most folk are happy to be star-spotting and hanging around stage doors for photos and autographs of their favourite stars, there's me pegging it into town to try and snap our local recycling officers hard at work!
So having got the nod that it was St Edmundsbury's turn to host Suffolk County Council's marvellous Love Food Hate Waste Stand, I thought I'd drop into town yesterday to take some photos of the free tools that they were giving away to residents as part of their promotion for the European Week for Waste Reduction.
But there I was, running a bit late, yet still planning to get in before midday, when I got a call on my mobile at 11.15am. It was Mike - pictured above - from St Edmundsbury, telling me the stand had been such a success they were close to running out!
Of course, I picked up pace and full-steam ahead, hurtled into town but by the time I got there, the tables were empty and all was left were a dozen or so of the 550 promotional reusable bags that they were giving away! I know it was market day, but that is astounding.
Visitors to the stand were keen to learn how to reduce food waste and engaged brilliantly with the team which combined recycling officers from St Edmundsbury, neighbouring Forest Heath and Suffolk County Council.
So, sorry I've not got any snaps of the gadgets and gizmos folks, but if you live in the area, there should be some great coverage in the local papers and the Love Food Hate Waste stand will also be popping up elsewhere in the county. All the dates can be found at www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk. Of course if you live outside the county, you'll probably see your own council's stand coming to an event near you too. So do keep your eyes peeled.
Well at least I got the opportunity to show my support for Chicken Lovers.
Yes indeed, I can confirm that chicken lovers do hate waste, as do Apple Lovers, Lamb Lovers and Potato lovers. To see the rest of the fabulous photos that accompany the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, pop over to WRAP's www.lovefoodhatewaste.com, where you'll find lots of tips and recipes to help you plan for reducing waste this Christmas. Even Arctic Aunt is available, hot off the press, to help quash some of those freezer myths.
So having hunted down recycling officers and been introduced to Arctic Aunt, it looks like I've got no excuse not to go on my own Freezer Expedition in my little part of Suffolk this weekend. The mission, to start using up stuff before Christmas kicks in and to make room for more tasty leftovers.
Tv presenter, Sue Perkins, is also doing her bit too, as shown in the video below. It would be great if you could also join in. Just remember to send out the search party if I'm not back by Monday!
Hi John - well I can certainly say, we are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of recycling officers and waste educators. Their friendly, approachable manner must make it so much easier for spreading the word. Food waste is most definitely the flavour of the month (excuse the pun LOL) and there's no better time to address it than in the run-up to Christmas :-D
If you haven't got time to look through the rest of the blog but would still like to have a go at your own Rubbish Diet, have a read of this post: A Zero Waste lifestyle in a nutshell.
...or check out the video of our zero waste home
Click here to read the blogpost that accompanies the video.
@ THE STARTING POINT
This family used to create an average of two to three 50 litre bags of LANDFILL WASTE in a two week period. Through assessing and changing everyday habits, this was reduced heavily in time forZero Waste Week, which ended on 17th March 2008, when the only thing we threw out to landfill was a sticking plaster.
What people are saying: "The best bit about your blog is being aware of rubbish. I thought I was really good at recycling but realise there is always room for improvement" Cybèle, Freecycle Moderator
@Bloggers who've signed up to Almost Mrs Average's Rubbish Diet
The Rubbish Diet and Almost Mrs Average are trademarks of Karen Cannard, the author of this blog.
This blog is an independent work and has no direct relation with St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Suffolk County Council or WRAP. Any queries related to other organisation's initiatives should be sent to them directly. Readers should always check with their own local council regarding recycling and waste collection services, as these vary across districts and counties.
Please note: Any reference to specific organisations/products arise from the author's personal experience and not through sponsorship or advertising arrangements unless stated. Alternatives are often available and readers should always check suitability for their own personal circumstances.
Please do not use photos or content without the permission of the author. All queries about this blog should be sent to enquiries@therubbishdiet.co.uk All other contacts for Karen Cannard or running The Rubbish Diet can be found in the Contacts Page above.
2 comments:
Hi Mrs A,
Haven't things really changed when you do not have to be present for such good local events, which succeed without your excellent participation.
Similarly, with the food campaign, everybody seems to be doing it!
Hi John - well I can certainly say, we are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of recycling officers and waste educators. Their friendly, approachable manner must make it so much easier for spreading the word. Food waste is most definitely the flavour of the month (excuse the pun LOL) and there's no better time to address it than in the run-up to Christmas :-D
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