Posted on 9th Apr
Community groups, schools, and charities have been invited to apply for a share of funding for initiatives that focus on waste reduction, reuse, or recycling.
Veolia and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund aims to support projects that encourage individuals to adopt a new perspective on waste and resources.
Grants of up to £1,000 are available. They could include for practical equipment, in-person or online workshops, social media campaigns, practical equipment, education activities, or awareness raising.
The fund, now in its 14th year, has previously supported a diverse range of projects and activities, including swap shop events, repair workshops, composting schemes, food waste reduction initiatives, and community gardens utilising reused, reclaimed or recycled materials.
Steve Newman, general manager for Veolia Nottinghamshire, said: “We believe that by supporting sustainable initiatives, we can ignite a shift in mindset towards mindful consumption, adopt a new perspective on waste, and pave the way for a more sustainable future in Nottinghamshire.”
One success story is Winthorpe Road Community Garden, Newark, which was awarded £535 in 2023 to construct a new polytunnel made entirely from used plastic bottles.
The garden serves as a valuable local space for cultivating food, while promoting mental and physical wellbeing within the community. The group currently grows a variety of produce, including fruit trees, soft fruits, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Passersby are encouraged to pick their own fresh produce, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Another initiative, Conscious Closet in Southwell, received £940 last year to support clothing swap events.
Founded by two mothers during the pandemic, it aims to address the issue of clothing and textile waste by promoting mindful consumption. Thanks to the funding, the group bought clothing rails, eliminating the need to borrow from friends and rely on volunteers to set up and dismantle the rails at each event.
Coun Neil Clarke, cabinet member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, added: “Anything we can do to increase everyone’s desire to cut waste must be a benefit to us all.”
Applications to the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund can be made at www.nottinghamshire.veolia.co.uk/reduce-reuse-recycling-fund or by calling 0203 5674391. The closing date is 28th June.
