Great Big Green Week: Discover workshops and activities on greener living in Redbridge

Redbridge Council is celebrating the Great Big Green Week with a series of FREE green themed workshops and activities to support local people to adopt more eco-friendly choices as part of their daily life.

Taking place between September 24 and October 2, the Great Big Green Week (GBGW) is the UK’s biggest celebration of community action to help tackle climate change.

In support of the national campaign Redbridge Council’s Neighbourhood Team are offering free community-based workshops on home composting and how it can help reduce food waste in the borough and help tackle climate change, as well as keep your garden looking lush.

Did you know home composting can reduce your waste by at least 30%? Which is good news for the environment.

The workshops teach you how to set up a compost bin, what can and can’t go in it, and how to use your compost. Booking is essential and spaces are limited, so please book early via: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/lb-redbridge-neighbourhood-team-32312425677

Workshops details:

• Saturday 24 September, 1:15pm – 2:15pm 52nd EFS Scout Hut, South Woodford
• Tuesday 27th September, 5:15pm – 6:15pm The Square Garden, Bethell Avenue, Ilford
• Wednesday 28th September, 5:15pm – 6:15pm, Wildlife Centre, South Park, Ilford
• Thursday 29th September, 5:15pm – 6:15pm, Christchurch Green park entrance, Wanstead Place
• Saturday 1st October, 10:15am – 11:15am, Christchurch Green park entrance, Wanstead Place

Special compost bin offer for GBGW: Regular sized 220L black compost bins will be available to buy at a 40% discount during GBGW and until stocks last on the Get Composting website: https://getcomposting.com/

As part of GBGW visitors at the Wanstead Festival, taking place Sunday 2 October, will also be able to enjoy a variety of eco-minded activities on Wanstead High Street, and access information stands on greener living as part of the council’s commitment to tackling climate change and supporting local people to adopt more sustainable travel and eco-friendly lifestyles.

Activities taking place on Wanstead High Street include:

• Electric vehicles – Tesla Experience: Sit in and experience some of the exciting features of a Tesla. Find out more about electric vehicles, how they can save you money, and Redbridge’s growing network of electric vehicle charge points. Greener and more sustainable transport can help cut air pollution and play a part in tackling the climate crisis, which is why Redbridge is expanding the borough’s network of electric vehicle charging points so local people easily make the switch to electric and improve local air quality in the process.
• Discover how reducing waste saves money and helps the planet: The council’s Neighbourhood Team will be on hand with information and advice on how to reduce your waste as much as you can and recycling whatever is left. Reducing your waste can be a great money saver, as well great for the environment, so don’t miss a chat with the team.
• Play Street: Experience the fun of a play street and how to run one in your neighbourhood. The initiative enables residents to close off their street to traffic for a few hours a month so that neighbours, children, and families can play out more safely bringing communities together. The festival play street features family friendly games and activities.
• Cycle Zone: Test out a range of novelty bikes on the high street cycle circuit. Cycling not only helps keep you fit and healthy but is also great for the environment. Every time a car journey is replaced with a cycle journey it is helping tackle the climate crisis, as well as helping improve local air quality for a cleaner and greener Redbridge. Dr Bike will also be on hand offering a free safety check, and minor tweaks and repairs for cycles, so don’t forget to bring your one along.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride Cllr Jo Blackman said: “It’s important we work together as one community to tackle the climate emergency facing us. By acting to address the causes and impacts of climate change we can create a cleaner and greener Redbridge not just for us now, but also for our future generations.”

Redbridge’s Climate Change Action Plan details measures the council is taking to reduce its own carbon footprint by tackling emissions coming from council owned buildings and vehicles, as well as steps being taken by the council to support communities across borough to tackle climate change. Find out more including how to get involved: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/about-the-council/climate-change/