we all reuse

Reuse is important because at the same time that it confronts the challenges of waste reduction, the resulting products brighten our lives and support a productive economy.

• Reuse keeps goods and materials out of the waste stream
• Reuse reduces the need for raw materials and packaging
• Reuse preserves the "embodied energy" that was originally used to manufacture an item
• Reuse reduces the strain on valuable resources, such as fuel, wood and water, and helps safeguard the environment

Local authorities across London are now adopting reuse as a larger part of their waste strategies.

Give and take days are spreading across the London boroughs - organized and staffed by the LA themselves, these events not only facilitate reuse but also measure it.

Each item or bundle brought to the venue is classified and weighed before being put out for the taking. These figures are passed on to Defra to be added to the regional and national totals.

According to Recycle London, over 7.5 BILLION articles of clothing end up in our dustbins every year meaning 75% of recyclable clothes are wasted, which could be recycled. Wonder how much we could reuse?

Remade in the US and now on sale online in the UK -

US examples here:

http://search.urbanoutfitters.com/?q=renewal

UK examples here

http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/icat/wrenewal

Each item is made from vintage, deadstock, and surplus materials sourced from rag mills around the world, and remixed near their head office. Items come in a range of fabrics but the colours and cut stay the same..

A Wrexham woman was originally arrested for theft for taking four plastic garden chairs destined for landfill from a privatised Council waste dump.

Despite a signed written statement, two video interviews, radio interviews and letters to the press admitting taking chairs from the skip, plus two witness statements, from the skip operative and his supervisor, the CPS has decided there is not enough evidence and the case has been dropped.

The Recycled Sculpture Show 2008 exhibition was launched simultaneously with Love London at ZSL London Zoo on May 29th and runs until september.

It’s aim is to connect with people through the innovative & creative transformation of waste.

To find out more visit http://www.recycledsculptureshow.co.uk There's also details of how to submit work for future shows.

A Wrexham woman is facing a possible criminal charge of theft under Section 1 of the Theft Act 1968 for allegedly taking four green plastic garden chairs out of the landfill skip at the local household 'recycling' centre.

The Eco Design Network and World Skills UK request the pleasure of your company at the ETHIC 2008 Awards Ceremony.

ETHIC is a national ethical fashion competition for students in further education.

9th June 2008. 6-9pm
Fashion and Textile Museum,
83 Bermondsey St,
London SE1 3XF

RSVP
becky.hunt@newham.ac.uk or
victoria@clownfish.co.uk

Oxfam is taking reuse and remixing to the masses with its recent celebrity rich remixed fashion launch.

It is opening three new boutiques in West London this summer - in Westbourne Grove, Shawfield St, Chelsea and Chiswick High Road - with more likely to open across the UK in 2009.

more here

Revamp fashion has also taken the next step with a full range of remixed clothes at the Cancer Research flagship store in London's busy designer destination, Marylebone High st.

To celebrate all things crafty, hybird is teaming up with the Museum of London for a fabulous edition of Feather Duster – the clothing swap.