More than 80 residents from the New Forest gathered in Dibden Purlieu on Tuesday (9 May) to celebrate the launch of an exciting new project which aims to tackle the amount of rubbish we throw away.

The Small Changes…Big Difference project is, as its name suggests, all about making small changes to our lifestyles which add up to a big difference. Simple things such as composting vegetable peelings and garden cuttings and using energy efficient light bulbs may seem like small changes but when combined with everyone else’s efforts, really will make a difference. On average, a staggering £424 worth of food is thrown away by each person in the UK every year, simply because it went off or exceeded its sell by date. This contributes to the 37% of rubbish which ends up in people’s bins which could be composted instead. Addressing issues like this is what this project is all about.

Dick and Brigit Strawbridge from the BBC2 series It’s Not Easy Being Green came along to share their experiences and instil their enthusiasm in those residents taking part. Having already undertaken an extensive project to make their house and lifestyle as environmentally friendly as possible, they were able to offer first hand advice to residents about to embark on a similar challenge themselves.

Whilst residents don’t have to go quite as far as Dick and Brigit who have installed their own water wheel to generate electricity, there are lots of practical steps they will be encouraged to take which will not only reduce their rubbish but also save them money. Those residents taking part will be keeping track of the amount of rubbish they throw away each week so we can measure the impact of the changes they are making.

This project is funded by Defra and is one of a handful taking place throughout the country which are aiming to challenge the amount of rubbish we throw away . This initial pilot in Hampshire is being carried out with retired residents from the University of the Third Age (U3A) groups in Totton, Hythe, Marchwood and Lymington.

Commenting on the project, Dick Strawbridge said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be involved with such an innovative project. We all know that the more people we get to reduce their waste, even just a little bit to start with, the better for the planet and it won't take long before its obvious that it makes financial sense too!

“There are no excuses. We can all do something and it doesn't have to be painful. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this initiative takes off.”

Pic caption: Dick and Brigit Strawbridge at the launch of the Small Changes...Big Difference project in Dibden Purlieu.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

This initial pilot is the first of five which will be focusing on key life changing events such as moving house or having children, giving people helpful advice on making better choices in their lifestyles to reduce their waste. Everyone taking part will receive a filofax, full of useful hints and tips and monthly targets, as well as a diary for recording their activities and commenting on how things go.

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