 Last chance - consultation ending soon
The consultation on the proposed changes to our street cleaning and grounds maintenance services is ending this Sunday (10 September).
The proposals include removing some litter bins, and reducing how often we spray weeds, sweep and clean streets, and cut grass to make savings, so we can continue supporting those who need us most.
If you haven't had your say, click the button below to take the survey:
 Take part in Zero Waste Week
It's Zero Waste Week (4 to 8 September)! It's an annual global campaign to help you save money, protect the environment and preserve resources.
There're lots of ways to get involved. Check out the Zero Waste Week website for a host of ideas and inspiration on how to reduce, reuse and recycle, for example,
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First in first out: Whenever you restock your food cupboard, be sure to put new stuff to the back behind the old stuff. This helps reduce food waste.
 Reducing waste is the top priority
The waste hierarchy ranks different ways of managing waste from most to least environmentally preferred.
The top of the pyramid shows it's best to prevent waste from being created in the first place, while disposal should always be the last resort.
Prevent food waste from being created
The last time we checked we found that around a quarter of what's in our blue bin bags is food waste, so why not check out the Love Food Hate Waste website for some good food habits that can prevent food waste from being created or wasted?
Here are the highlights:
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Planning to stay ahead - for example, creating meal plans and updating your shopping list after your shop
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Think before you shop - consider what you actually need and what you already have in your fridge and freezer
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Stay-in-control shopping - set your budget before getting to the store and stick to your shopping list when you're in the shop
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Store your food after shopping - put your food in the fridge and freezer to keep it fresher for longer
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Keep an eye on your fresh food - keep track of your most vulnerable fresh food to help you remember what needs using up first.
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Eat every edible part of food - for example, using vegetable peels and other edible parts to make your own stock.
 Did you know?
How many repair cafés do we have in the borough?
We're lucky to have two repair cafés in our borough to help you reduce waste. They are both in Spencers Woods, at:
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Spencers Wood Village Hall (RG7 1AP)- runs on first Sunday of the month. Next one will be on 1 October.
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Lambs Lane Primary School (RG7 1YG) - runs on third Sunday of the month. Next one will be on 17 September.
Both run from 10am to 1pm. Volunteers will do their best to fix your broken household items or offer advice to get them up and running again.
The repair service is free, but donations are welcomed to cover their running costs and support good causes.
 Reuse, rewear and restyle your wardrobe
Donating and shopping second hand is one of the best ways to reduce waste.
Oxfam's Second Hand September is back for its fifth year to encourage people to shop at charity shops and donate, reuse and re-wear items.
Donating to Oxfam is easy
If you have clothes you no longer wear and are in good condition, you can donate them to Oxfam by post, or drop them off at your local Oxfam shop and clothing banks.
Every item collected is used to support the charity's work. They can be sold in their shops or to fashion designers for restyle or reuse. Damaged or low grade items can be sold to recycling traders for turning into soundproofing, mattress stuffing and other products.
You can also donate other non-clothing items including bric-a-brac, books, toys and more. We recommend checking with the charity shop on which items they can take before donating.
Visit Oxfam online shop
Besides its high street charity shops, Oxfam has also made available a huge range of new and donated goods including clothes, toys, books, homeware and collectables in its online shop.
Have a browse! There is always something nice to discover!
More on donating for reuse
Don't forget there is a 'Reuse Area' at re3 recycling centres in Reading and Bracknell!
A wide range of household items, such as furniture, electrical appliances, kitchenware and even unused cosmetics and toiletries can be taken to the Reuse Area.
The national charity, Sue Ryder, will collect suitable items that can be resold in their shops to support their work.
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