Zero Waste Communities Initiative

Who Are We? The Zero Waste Communities Initiative (ZWCI) is managed by local Charity: Forth Environment Link (FEL). Project Vision: To work towards a greener, healthier future by encouraging and supporting communities to reduce waste. Project Aims: Working in partnership with local communities on recycling and food waste issues to: • Encourage and support community involvement • Encourage and support the Zero Waste Volunteers and Community Advocates • Increase community and household recycling rates • Increase food waste caddy participation rates • Reduce household food waste and in turn save money • Change community behaviours towards recycling and food waste • Educate and raise awareness

Coordinator: Kelly Rice

Pass It On Workshops

Workshops we run include: • Pallet Upcycling

• Cooking with Leftovers Demos • Plant pot Upcycling

• Small Furniture Upcycling • Upcycled Art • Eco Bag Design

Pallet Upcycling Workshops

Cooking with Leftovers Demos

Plant Pot, Small Furniture Upcycling & Eco Bag Design

Upcycled Art

What Works?

• Working with Community Centres and Member Groups • Excellent opportunity to train existing volunteers and recruit more • Great for both adults and kids • Good for working with smaller groups • Attendees can bring their own items for upcycling (pots, vases, clothes etc...) • Put a collection bag/box in your office to collect clean recyclables, unused craft materials, fabric etc... • Using Props during workshops is great, to show people what you can actually do • 2nd hand craft materials are great to use, such as buttons, wool etc... • Charity shops are a great way to find old things items to upcycle

What to Remember?

• Working in smaller groups may be necessary, especially for pallet and cooking workshops • Health and Safety/Risk Assessments – especially when working with tools and cooking • You will have to spend money on items and materials to use, such as glue etc... • Trial and Error!! • Hire out professionals • Keep things simple – you are not a pro chef or a pro joiner!! • Timescales! i.e you require a good 4-6 hours for a good pallet workshop! Never underestimate!! • Try things out first!!

Other Props you can use

Future Workshops and Plans

• More Pallet, Cooking and Upcycled Art Workshops • Timetable of activities with some groups including: textile repairs and upcycling; swap shops; and exhibitions. • Bike repairs • Clothes repairs • Furniture Upcycling

Other Ideas: • Parent Group – kids clothes swapping/swishes • Setting up a gardeners tool loan system • Thrift Facebook page