ECO V ECO
Environmental associations and governments have been racking their brain for over a decade to find a way to rally round people to the ecological cause. For that matter, the recession is a blessing. The ‘ecologists’ and the ‘economists’ are finally dancing on the same stage.
To save a bit of money, more and more people seem to be inclined to become greener. The membership for the ‘Freecycle’ trade scheme in Islington where people exchange furniture, gardening tools or clothes, has boomed over the past six months. From 2376 people enrolled in January, there are now 12,249 members.
The borough organises events like the ‘Ditch'n'Switch’ swap twice a year “where residents can bring items e.g furniture, bric a brac, books, clothes etc and take away whatever they want. They do not have to bring something to be able to take some, says Jean Hughes, Recycling and Waste Minimisation Project Officer in Islington Borough (London).
“We advertise it on our website, on free cycle, our green events contact list, leaflet the local area, and our monthly council paper.”
Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Islington Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "This is the latest example of how we're doing all we can to cut waste and help our residents during the credit crunch.
Camden Town is on the same track. In March this year, the borough submitted to the District Management Committees a report “Greening our Estates” where specific measures were taken.
It said: “We will be looking to encourage re-use of materials amongst residents (…). We believe that there is now scope to significantly increase the amount of bulk rubbish being reused, including furniture, mattresses and white goods. Additionally, we will be also exploring the idea of neighbourhood sap days where residents bring unwanted items that may be of use to someone else.”
