On Saturday 21st February 2004, Bob Belam, the Mayor of Waltham Forest, will launch the U.K’s first Give or Take Day Toolkit at the Waltham Forest Asian Centre. The kit, which has been developed by Women’s Environmental Network (WEN), Forest Recycling Project (FRP) and Global Action Plan (GAP) is designed to help local communities run their own Give or Take Days.

Never heard of a Give or Take Day? They're a simple idea popular across Europe and increasingly becoming the 'in thing' here. Think of a good quality jumble sale where you leave your wallet at home, and cross it with a trip to the tip and you're on the right track.

Basically people 'give' items of any size (furniture included) to a venue on the day of the event. Then they 'take' other items they need. No cash involved. It's a brilliant way of keeping things that are still useful out of the rubbish bin and of bringing communities together.

As Charlotte Walker from WEN says, “People aren’t that familiar with Give or Take yet, but the idea is very simple. This kit will help communities across the country to stage their own days and ultimately to cut down on the amount of perfectly good stuff that goes to landfill. Waste is a very serious problem and this is a very practical way of doing something about it”.

Saturday 21st February 2004
Waltham Forest Asian Centre, Orford Rd, Walthamstow, E17
12 noon to 3pm

ENDS

For more information contact Deb Sansom, Waste Prevention Communications Officer or Charlotte Walker, Waste Prevention Officer at WEN on: 020 7481 9004.

Notes to Editors
1. Give or Take Day Toolkits will be available on the day and from the WEN and FRP websites at the end of February. If you would like a hard copy or a copy on CD ROM, please call Charlotte Walker at WEN on 020 7481 9004 or Brian at FRP on 020 8539 3856.

2. At Saturday’s event, HEET will be distributing free energy saving light bulbs. The Childminding Network are in the process of setting up a local toy library and are looking for donations of toys. For collections of goods in the Walthamstow area, please call: 020 8539 3856.

3. The Mayor will be available between 1-2pm for photos.

4. WEN is a national UK charity and membership organisation that campaigns on environmental and health issues from a women's perspective. It educates, informs and empowers women and men who care about the environment. Give or Take Days are part of the More From Less waste prevention project, which is funded by Bridge House Trust.

5. Global Action Plan is an independent environmental charity. Web site: www.globalactionplan.org.uk. Forest Recycling Project is a not-for-profit community business, which works in the London Borough of Waltham Forest and surrounding areas. Web site: www.forest-recycling.freeserve.co.uk