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Selly Oak Methodist Church's Recycling Suggestions
Selly Oak Methodist Church is very active in
Creation care. SOMC has applied for renewal of its
Eco-Congregation award and expects its assessors' visits in the
autumn.
Here are some of Selly Oak's suggestions as to how you can recycle various items, taken from their Recycling Leaflet:
Used stamps
Several charities collect these but can be sent to Leprosy Mission: Stamps & Collectables, Mr & Mrs P Jarman, 26 Drift Rd, Clanfield, Waterlooville, Hants, PO8 0JL, website: http://www.leprosymission.org.uk/html/stamps.html
Wrapping paper - especially from florists
Clean paper is used to distribute church flowers after the Sunday Service
Plastic polypockets off magazines (only mailing envelopes without paper labels)
Polyprint Mailing Films, Mackintosh Rd, Rackheath
Industrial Estate
Rackheath, Norwich, NR13 6LJ
Hearing Aids (particularly children's ones)
Send to MOYO a Malawi charity
C/o Pam
Douglas, Sheep Leas, Duke St, Settle, BD24 0AN
Wood & Metal Working Tools - For Africa
Send to Tools for Self Reliance, Southampton,
HANTS, SO40 7GY, tel: 02380 869697, fax: 02380 868544, e-mail: info@tfsr.org, website: http://www.tfsr.org/
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Many local authorities have collection centres on street corners and in supermarket car parks which recycle the heavier items such as paper and cardboard, bottles and glass, clothes, books, cans and shoes.
It is unlikely that churches would find it practical to become involved with recycling these items, although books are a good money spinner at Church Fairs. However, there are many items that churches can recycle which do not take up much space and which can give a real benefit both to the environment and to some charities.
Ask individuals to take responsibility for each item. Many people may be collecting the items on an individual basis anyway.
Spectacles
Send to World in Sight. Sorted, repaired etc in prison workshops. This charity was started by Help the Aged in 1993, since then 900000 spectacles have been dispensed. Take spectacles to Dollard & Aitchison's, Help the Aged branches, or send to World in Sight, Freepost, LON13109, London N1
Egg boxes
Local farm shops are usually delighted to receive them.
Envelopes (Especially A4 & A5)
Local charities can stick new labels on them for sending out newsletters etc.
Foil
Sold to Alcan 0121 327 3225 and money given to charity. Phone for details of their van calling at West Midland supermarkets on a regular basis.
Printer cartridges and toner refills
PC World has boxes at the store or envelopes to send to NSPCC who get £1 for each one.
It is believed that Action Aid gets the best value for them and also takes fax machines and photocopier cartridges.
Pill boxes - The small brown variety with safety top.
Local vets can use them for issuing animal pills or PDSA & RSPCA clinics will normally welcome them especially if the labels are taken off and the adhesive cleared away.
Mobile phones and accessories
Several schemes are now being operated.Foreign & old British coins
Give to National Childrens Homes personnel or phone 08457626579, website: http://www.nch.org.uk/
Knitting wool
Distributed to housebound who knit and crochet for Oxfam. Take finished articles into Oxfam shops and inner city needy children. Oxfam provide knitting patterns for children's tops and blankets.
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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this document the authors cannot be held responsible for any error, omission or loss arising therefrom. If in doubt please check with the contacts listed as arrangements may change from time to time.
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