Sustainable Merton Launches Digital Hub to Reduce Waste
Part of a broader project called The Wheel
Ramya Venkataraman, The Wheel Project Manager
Sustainable Merton, Merton’s local environmental charity, has launched today a new waste reduction and circular economy digital hub.
It is an online directory of local reuse and repair networks, organisations, businesses and events. This is part of a broader project called the Wheel, implemented by Sustainable Merton.
With the cost-of-living crisis escalating and the growing concern about climate change, plastic pollution, waste and the environment, there is increased demand for guidance and tools on how to waste less, save money, and reduce carbon footprint. The Wheel is here to join the dots and signpost people to the many local circular and waste reduction initiatives, projects and groups already operating in Merton yet which many people in the community don’t even know exist.
The Wheel, funded by Merton council, aims to contribute to the council’s target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The name ‘The Wheel’ symbolises the circular economy, Merton’s heritage water mills and reflects the Council’s logo.
Sustainable Merton, which celebrated its 15th birthday in February this year, is a Finalist in the Charity of the Year category in the Merton Best Business Awards. The Wheel is its newest addition to a roster of community projects which address both environmental and social goals.
Diana Sterck, CEO of Sustainable Merton says, “Growing the circular economy in Merton is an important ambition for us so that we move from being a throwaway society to one that values, reuses and repurposes materials”.
This year, The Wheel identified existing Merton-based community projects that relate to waste reduction across 6 different categories - food, textiles, furniture and non-electrical items, tech and electrical equipment, packaging and construction waste. The digital hub will signpost residents and businesses to local information about where items can be donated, shared, repurposed, repaired or recycled and will showcase upcoming local events such as social sewing workshops, clothes swaps, community upcycling projects, Repair Cafés and surplus food redistribution.
Ramya Venkataraman, The Wheel Project Manager says “I grew up in a home and culture where every item was valued, used and reused for years, repair was the norm, things weren’t unnecessarily wrapped in plastic and less was more. So now it’s great to get everyone in the community talking about and playing a role in waste reduction!”
The Wheel will also mobilise volunteering networks, raise awareness and access to community projects grounded in waste reduction and improving social connectedness.
By making the events inclusive, informative and fun it provides many benefits to the borough, not only by reducing what we send to landfill but also by tapping into the creativity and skills within the community, strengthening the community spirit, nurturing connectivity and boosting mental well-being.
At a strategic level, the Wheel works with sub-regional, regional, national and international networks and initiatives such as the South London Partnership, ReLondon, the Restart project, the Library of Things, Refill and many others. This allows continuous learning and improvement. The digital hub is one of three strategic focus areas for the Wheel- the other two being community waste reduction initiatives and circular high streets. With the help of network partners and academic institutions, we are working to implement low cost circular initiatives that can catalyse a green transition in the local area.
Councillor Natasha Irons, Merton council’s cabinet member for Local Environment, Greenspaces and Climate says “Encouraging our community to repair, share and re-use, not only helps us to cut Merton’s emissions, but it also helps to keep money in our resident’s pockets. As we live through a cost-of-living and climate crisis, projects that can bring our community together to learn new skills like upcycling, repairing electricals or mending clothes are vital.
The Wheel will be constantly turning and growing as we plan to expand our reach. We welcome interest for new partnerships for circular economy research or idea implementation, sponsorships and specific volunteer roles.
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September 26, 2022