Santas little helpers deliver green message to Londoners

A team of eco-elves will deliver a special Christmas message to residents in south and west London, as part of a new recycling campaign.

The Recycle Western Riverside (RWR) 'Don't let your recycling go to waste' campaign was launched at an event in Tooting, Wandsworth, on Friday. The eco-elves decorated a 25 feet-high Christmas tree with recycling-themed decorations. Each decoration represents a different item that can't be recycled in residents' collection service and suggests a sustainable alternative.

Over the coming weeks the eco-elves will tour the London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Lambeth, Wandsworth and Kensington and Chelsea, speaking to residents and handing out the decorations. It is hoped these will be hung on Christmas trees in homes across the boroughs, acting as a strong visual reminder to recycle the right things.

Sam Jarvis, RWR Campaign Manager, said: “During the festive period we will throw out one-tenth of our annual rubbish so it's really important that everyone recycles this extra waste. But it's crucial that people recycle the right things. Many people don't realise that if their recycling contains lots of items that can't be recycled it may become too difficult to sort and end up being sent to landfill with their normal rubbish. Our eco-elves will spread some festive cheer and at the same time help residents ensure their recycling doesn't go to waste this Christmas.”

Olympic champion, Matthew Pinsent, is one of the people the eco-elves have already spoken to. He said: “Thanks to the Recycle Western Riverside eco-elves I'll be sure to recycle the right things this Christmas.”

The eco-elves will visit shopping centres, tube stations and even knock on residents' front doors to make sure the recycling message hits home.

For festive recycling tips visit www.westernriverside.org.uk