Circular Economy Starts

MOVERS and shakers in environmentalism attended an event to open a new concept in consumerism and reduce the area’s carbon footprint. 

Charnwood Eco Hub is the brainchild of friends Charnwood Borough Councillor Sarah Goode and Emma Ward.

Mixing things up for the circular economy on its opening night were the Mayor of Charnwood and the MP for Loughborough as well as those involved in green schemes and projects around Loughborough.  

Now occupying the third floor of Sofa on Nottingham Road the centre for sustainability offers a library of things, a scrap store and a maker space individuals, groups and families can join for a low – cost annual membership to borrow, source and share equipment, materials and all manner of items to reduce carbon use and emissions.  

Opening the event the Mayor of Charnwood Councillor Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE aka ‘The Fish’ said the Eco Hub is such a find. 

“Items not used up get used again. It’s a no brainer,” she said. 

“Sarah and Emma had this idea for a community function to save things and use them again.”  

“Instead of going to landfill using the library of things and the scrap store reduces waste.  It started as an idea three years ago and now here there are so many ways to not chuck stuff out; to reduce landfill and it’s an amazing place.” 

“As Van Gogh said: “dream your painting and paint your dreams,” she added.  

MP for Loughborough Dr Jeevun Sandher said it’s a brilliant idea to share things to promote a circular economy and build a more sustainable future. 

 “It’s a space for the community based on what Charnwood wants to face the challenges ahead of us as a community and, as I think is a necessity, to be more sustainable for the community, the people and the planet,” he said. 

In the library of things there are tools and equipment including household items, DIY and gardening utensils that may only be used once or twice and can then be returned. Power drills, lawnmowers, kitchen appliances to party supplies are all available to hire. 

The scrap store has a huge range of offcuts; surplus materials from local businesses and all available at an affordable price to reduce waste and inspire creativity. It’s a treasure trove of crafting materials, educational supplies and unique items for upcycling projects. Day passes are available. 

 The mayor was attended by her consort Ms Julie Ellerbeck. 

“Sarah and Emma have made their idea a reality. It’s great when a good idea becomes a real prospect,” she said.  

Tobias Gould, 52, a resident from nearby who works with Loughborough East Community Association said he has his eye on borrowing a power washer and intends to take out an annual membership.  

“I plan to use the library of things. It’s great value and will become more widely used as sustainability becomes more urgent.”     

Emma Ward thanked supporters Intelligent Energy, Chesterton House, MartinH.net Unlimited for their backing as well as Charnwood Borough Council and all those who made the idea possible through crowd funding. 

A vegan buffet was provided by food reviver Turnip Point.