A summer of swapping, swishing, sewing and saving

Up-Cycled clothing at a fashion show Recycle for Greater Manchester held in November 2011 at Salford University

Recycle for Greater Manchester re-opens the community waste fund and has £53,000 for community groups to make and mend.

From sewing classes to swap shops, we can all reduce the waste we produce and gain value along the way. Recycle for Greater Manchester sees the potential in up-cycling and plans to support community groups to have many ‘clothes encounters’ and see value in the pre-loved!

In this fourth round of funding, it’s all about loving the pre-loved, and Recycle for Greater Manchester wants inspirational ideas from community groups who can encourage their neighbourhood to get thrifty. Up-cycling is the new pastime for people wanting to save money and be distinctive.

Want to swap a funky skirt for a retro style T-shirt? Learning new and useful skills at make do and mend classes, refurbishing furniture, revamping clothes or swapping garments at a swishing party. It will help people’s money to go further and possessions last longer, and at the same time, benefit the environment.

Swap shops are a great way to swap things that you no longer use for things that you need, and if it reduces the amount of waste Greater Manchester produces, then we want to know about it!

Recycle for Greater Manchester wants to encourage people to sew, knit, craft, and with a little thought and creative flair make something really unique. Turn your old jumpers into cushions, buttons into broaches; even create shelves out of an old door! Let the summer of swapping, swishing, sewing and saving commence.

John Bland Deputy Clerk and Treasurer at GMWDA said: “The Community Waste Fund is a fantastic initiative that supports community groups to deliver creative projects and successful partnerships. This round will encourage communities to see the value of up-cycling, which will help towards Greater Manchester achieving zero waste to landfill.”

If you think you are a community group that can set up this type of project, then  apply for the community waste fund:

www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com