A group of Islington residents have proved it really can be a case of "mind over matter", after almost halving the amount of waste they throw away. <br><br>More than 80 households signed up to the week-long "Watch Your Waste" challenge. <br><br>It aimed to show how small changes in behaviour could make a huge impact on the amount of trash produced. <br><br>Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Islington Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "A big part of this challenge involved looking at our shopping habits, and avoiding items which have a huge amount of wasteful and unnecessary packaging. <br><br>"Recycling is great – and I congratulate our residents who took part in the challenge and did so well. Ultimately, we can all do more to challenge our own behaviour in reducing waste each and every week." <br><br>Householders were handed a wealth of tips on how to reduce their waste before they embarked on their challenge, and were also assigned their own Islington Council Green Team officer for support and advice.<br><br>Newington Green resident Beth Moseley, who took part in the scheme with housemate Zoe Stanton, said: "The challenge was a really good idea and it didn't take much effort.<br><br>"We just made some simple changes like bringing our compost and recycling boxes inside so they're more readily accessible. We should all take action against how much we're chucking out and it sounds silly but it makes you feel really good."<br><br>Early indications suggest those who took part cut their waste by a staggering 49 per cent. <br><br>The scheme was part of "Watch Your Waste Week" - a brand new initiative aimed at raising awareness of waste prevention and promoting measures which will achieve a reduction in waste. <br><br>The week, which is the first of its kind to be held in the capital, was run by Islington Council in partnership with the North London Waste Authority. <br><br>ENDS <br><br>For more information please call Chris Weeks on 020 7527 3032 <br><br>PICTURE: Housemates Beth Moseley and Zoe Stanton who took part in the "Watch Your Waste" challenge give the 'thumbs down' to landfill
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009