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 recently spent an evening out with a group of girlfriends, where we were discussing what I was going to wear to the Greenest County awards that are taking place next week. Although I'd sorted my dress, I hadn't quite got around to thinking about my bag....
Well I've got loads of bags to choose from but it was quickly obvious my Waitrose bag-for-life would be a far too big for the event and my Recycle for Suffolk bag just didn't match my shoes and I do have a Greggs bakery reduce, reuse, recycle one, but it's a bit long on account of accommodating baguettes.
So it's a good job that Fi my friendly fairy godmother waved her magic wand and pointed me in the direction of ring pulls, saying they made beautiful stylish bags. If I had a few spare I could have thrusted a needle and cotton in her hands to get a demonstration, but she didn't have her magic wand anyway. Instead, she popped up on Facebook the following day and sent me a link to the wonderful Bottletop site.
Bottletop is a UK charity that helps to alleviate poverty in developing countries, including providing training and education opportunities for young people as well as trying to address health issues. The Ring Pull project began in 2007, teaching residents in Brazil how to make beautiful products including bags, belts and purses, out of something that we take for granted and that most people dump in the bin or send for recycling.
But look what a collection of humble ring pulls can be turned into.
Yes, this is indeed my brand new bag that I ordered straight away and which arrived this morning. I love it, and am now fully prepared for the gala event that is only a week away.
Here's a You Tube video of the Ring Pull project at work in Brazil. For more information about the great work of the Bottletop charity, visit www.bottletop.org.
Hi Celina - fabulous to see you on here and I love the bellani one too. It really was a very difficult choice...if I had the cash I could collect them all :-)
Hi Antonella - thank you. I'm most grateful to my friend Fi for the introduction...I think she was tempted by the gorgeous belts :-)
Hi Anne - thank you. Yes I'm up for the communication and events award. It should be a brilliant night and for a change I won't need to travel far :-)
Hi Madz - LOL, indeedy. For once I might just be "bang on trend"...blimey, that'd be a first :-)
wow, I love the bag. I am amazed at the beautiful creations you can make out of objects that are usually wasted...and the speed at which those women were knitting the ring pulls takes some serious skill.
Just curious if after use the bags can be recycled again? (What kind of thread/wire is used, do they take them back?) And how is this in comparison to recycling the whole tins, re: environmental impact? (Reuse is better, still, recycled cans can be recycled again, no? Just curious!)
Hi Layla - they are cool aren't they. The thread looks like it's cotton. I'm afraid I don't know if they would take them back, but, the bag is such good quality, that it would be a great product to push through the second hand market. I suppose the real benefit is that the project creates a second use for an existing material helping to fund a very useful social cause. :-)
Hi Lisa and Robb - thank you for your kind words and for popping by to visit. It really is a fabulous project and despite not winning the award that night, I am dead chuffed with my bag :-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.
10 comments:
I love this bag as well! I bought the bigger bellani version and have not stopped wearing it! Well done Bottletop.
Looks fab, Karen. Thanks for the suggestion. Ciao. A.
The very thing Karen - what a fabulous idea and it is so stylish. Hope you have a great time. Are you up for an award? Good luck if so. A x
OMG that bag is styley as! and goes with the current stud accessory trend at the moment too!!
Hi Celina - fabulous to see you on here and I love the bellani one too. It really was a very difficult choice...if I had the cash I could collect them all :-)
Hi Antonella - thank you. I'm most grateful to my friend Fi for the introduction...I think she was tempted by the gorgeous belts :-)
Hi Anne - thank you. Yes I'm up for the communication and events award. It should be a brilliant night and for a change I won't need to travel far :-)
Hi Madz - LOL, indeedy. For once I might just be "bang on trend"...blimey, that'd be a first :-)
wow, I love the bag. I am amazed at the beautiful creations you can make out of objects that are usually wasted...and the speed at which those women were knitting the ring pulls takes some serious skill.
WOW, the bags are brilliant!
Just curious if after use the bags can be recycled again? (What kind of thread/wire is used, do they take them back?) And how is this in comparison to recycling the whole tins, re: environmental impact? (Reuse is better, still, recycled cans can be recycled again, no? Just curious!)
The earrings and belts are fabulous too!!
Hi Layla - they are cool aren't they. The thread looks like it's cotton. I'm afraid I don't know if they would take them back, but, the bag is such good quality, that it would be a great product to push through the second hand market. I suppose the real benefit is that the project creates a second use for an existing material helping to fund a very useful social cause. :-)
I'm really enjoying your blog!
And this bag project is really great. Those women sure can crochet!
Hi Lisa and Robb - thank you for your kind words and for popping by to visit. It really is a fabulous project and despite not winning the award that night, I am dead chuffed with my bag :-D
Post a Comment