Kids spring into action and do their bit to recycle
11 April 2006
Over 50 parents and children donated or picked up clothes, toys and books at yesterday's Give or Take day in Southfields.
The event at the Open Door Community Centre allowed local families to get rid of unwanted items and swap them for things they needed, all free of charge.
Alys Dunn, Recycle Western Riverside community outreach officer, was one of the event organisers, she said: "Our springtime event proved that one person's rubbish really is another's treasure. We were thrilled with the number of parents and children that turned out and brought items they no longer need. Almost everyone left with something they had been looking for."
"By re-using items rather than throwing them away, we can reduce the amount of waste buried in landfill sites and help save valuable resources. Give or Take days are a fun and social way in which people can get involved in recycling."
A whole host of items were exchanged at the event with the most popular items being children's clothes, toys and games. Some lucky people picked up Easter eggs and one family left with a pancake maker!
One of the parents who attended the event was local resident Emma Hayden, she said: "This was a really useful event. We have come away with lots of things for both the house and children - and all of it for free!"
Arts and crafts sessions at the event showed children how to turn rubbish into toys or games and information stands on recycling and real nappies allowed parents to find out how they can reduce the amount of rubbish they throw away at home.
There was hardly anything remaining when the doors closed and any items that were left over were donated to local charity shops.
This event is part of Recycle Western Riverside's campaign to encourage the one in four people that still don't recycle any of their rubbish in Wandsworth to do their bit. For more information on recycling services and events in Wandsworth visit www.westernriverside.org.uk or call 0207 549 0347.
The Give or Take day was a partnership event, organised by Recycle Western Riverside, Wandsworth Borough Council and Get Connected Local Learning.