Circular Economy Week starts on June 13, with communities across London taking part in a host of events and activities centred on getting the most out of what we already own.

Organised by ReLondon, the week aims to show how we can rise to the challenges of climate change by changing how we think about 'stuff'.

A Circular Economy is one that moves away from the disposable society, where stuff is kept in use for as long as possible, delivering the highest value it can, for as long as it can.

Rather than making, using and throwing belongings away (a linear system), a circular economy means looking at each of these stages for new ways of cycling materials and value back into the system – using materials and products again and again in many different forms.

A circular economy also stimulates the green economy by encouraging innovation in product design to give them more than one use and making them easy to re-use. 

In 2019, Hounslow Council declared a climate emergency and pledged to become a net carbon zero local authority by 2030. The Council is working with partners across the borough to reduce waste and encourage greater community involvement in sharing and repairing our stuff. 

What can you do?

Some small changes that can make a big difference:

• Repair - Do you really want to bin your favourite jumper because it has a hole? Visit Love your Clothes  for more information on how you reduce the environmental impact of clothing with hints and tips on how to repair your clothes to make them last longer. Utilise the free and regular Dr Bike sessions, where you can get your two-wheeled transport tuned up and continuing to be roadworthy.
• Share – Sharing the things we only use now and again cuts down on clutter, is more affordable, brings people together and is kinder to our planet. You can use local Facebook groups or the next-door app to share and borrow items instead of buying. Visit Library of things for more information on why you should borrow and share instead of buying.
• Donate or sell your unwanted good quality items. You can donate to the Hounslow Furniture Project, British Heart Foundation or sell items via eBay, gumtree, Facebook marketplace etc. You could even give your unwanted items a second life through Freegle or local charity shops.
• Shop used - Visit charity shops for some pre-loved bargains or set up your own swap shop with your friends. Check eBay, Facebook marketplace, Freegle etc for second hand finds.
• Compost - don't bin your Garden Waste or Food Waste - use it to keep your garden looking great. For more information on how to get started visit Get Composting 
• Reduce food waste – Share more, waste less. Utilise food sharing apps such as OLIO or Too Good To Go as well as Surplus to Supper to share unwanted, unused food before it gets thrown away.
• Recycle - Say 'no' to waste. Putting something in your black bin should always be your last resort. Hounslow residents can recycle plastic, cardboard, paper, glass, tins/cans, e-waste, textiles and food. Find out more here: Flats, Kerbside (Houses),Flats above shops. You can also utilise a reuse and recycling site to recycle a range of household items.

Find out all about ReLondon's Circular Economy Week here.