Lambeth kids shop smarter to help the environment
2 March 2007
Kids from the Kennington Park Estate pledged to say no to carrier bags, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfill.
At the new Recycle Western Riverside (RWR) Recycling Club children decorated their own cloth bags to use as an alternative to plastic bags and took part in a quiz to learn how to avoid unnecessary packaging when out shopping with their families.
Jackie McKeay, RWR Outreach Officer, said: "Every year over 17 billion plastic bags are given out at supermarkets - most of which end up in landfill. We can all help reduce this plastic mountain by remembering to take reusable bags when out shopping."
"We hope the children from the Recycling Club will take the message home and encourage their parents to start shopping differently."
The Recycling Club will meet every Wednesday until Easter and is open to all children aged 8 - 12 living on the Kennington Park Estate. By giving the children activities to take home, it is hoped the Recycling Club will help change household habits.
"I enjoy the club because it gives me something to do after school and I'm learning that if we recycle more, the world will be healthier and last longer." - Mark, 12.
RWR plan to set up more kids' Recycling Clubs across south and west London. To find out more call 0207 549 0325 or email jackie.mckeay@wastewatch.org.uk
The Kennington Park Estate Recycling Club is run in collaboration with Hyde South Bank Homes.