Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) has launched a waste avoidance guide for people participating in the Eden Project’s community-inspired project, The Big Lunch.
Launched in 2009, The Big Lunch aims to encourage as many UK residents as possible to come together once a year to ‘share a few hours of food, friendship and fun’ and promote the idea of community spirit. Last year’s event reportedly saw 8.5 million people participate in Big Lunches, including 10 per cent of the Scottish population.
This Sunday (2 June), the Lottery-funded event will return to see people host lunches, picnics and barbecues in streets, gardens and community spaces
Sir Tim Smit, Co-founder of The Big Lunch, said: “The Big Lunch is all about getting together and having fun. It doesn’t have to be a big event, even a small get-together in your garden or on your street is a great way to get neighbours talking, sharing conversation, skills, resources – and, of course, the vital ingredient - food!”
Waste avoidance guide
As one of several organisations across Scotland involved in the scheme, ZWS has developed a ‘zero waste guide’ for Big Lunchers, with hints and tips on how to produce as little waste as possible.
Tips include:
- using old curtains or bed sheets as tablecloths, instead of disposable ones;
- holding an upcycling or reuse craft night to make decorations for the event (and store them in a ‘community decorations box so everyone can share them’);
- asking neighbours and friends to bring their own crockery and utensils to reduce waste from paper and plastic plates and cutlery;
- asking householders to put out their recycling bins at Big Lunches so that any waste produced can be recycled;
- visiting the Love Food Hate Waste website for recipe ideas for using leftovers.
Speaking of the guide, Iain Gulland, Director of ZWS, said: “We’re delighted to be working with The Big Lunch again. There are lots of things people can do to make their events as waste-free as possible. Nobody likes food waste or litter so I hope Big Lunchers find our suggestions helpful when planning their events and they have a great time.”
Read ZWS’s zero waste guide or learn more about The Big Lunch.
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