Eco News

lifestyle Eco News

THE HUB HAS OPENED!

Parisa Wright

The Hub, hosting a Library of Things, has arrived in The Glades. Founded by Greener and Cleaner, a local volunteer-run charity, the communitypowered hub is an exciting and engaging space for people to learn more about how they can help protect our environment. It also helps Bromley residents save and reduce waste by affordably renting out useful items like carpet cleaners, sound systems and sewing machines for a few pounds per day. Residents can reserve items online ready to collect from a self-service kiosk and the space is also being used to host events, workshops, talks and local meet-ups.

Greener and Cleaner was founded by Parisa Wright to facilitate community engagement and local action in response to the climate crisis. Becoming a charity in 2021, this is their first Green Hub to launch, and the organisation hopes it will become a blueprint for other shopping centres and high streets. Parisa said: “We strongly believe that everyone doing one small thing, however imperfectly, is better than no one doing anything, and we want to create a space where everyone feels encouraged and supported to take a small step towards a greener lifestyle.” Library of Things was founded by Emma Shaw, Rebecca Trevalyan and Sophia Wyatt in 2016. Inspired by similar projects emerging in cities like Berlin and Toronto, this women-led social enterprise launched its first self-service kiosk in Crystal Palace in 2018. Emma Shaw said: “We’ve had lots of interest in Library of Things from Bromley residents and organisations. This is an important step for Library of Things, as we expand our work to create a community-led circular economy in neighbourhoods across London.”

Keen to support residents in leading more sustainable lifestyles, facilitating area-wide emissions reductions and addressing climate change, Bromley Council is funding the initial setup costs for the Library of Things, within the Hub. Life In…Magazines’ reporter, Jane Bennett, went along to the launch event and spoke with Greener and Cleaner’s chief strategy officer, Claire Searle, who said: “Our workshops will help people learn skills that our grandparents had, but that have been lost – the previous generation didn’t throw things away, so why do we think it’s OK? One of the things that people don’t realise is how much money they can save.”

How to…be more sustainable and cut costs

Mark Sait, CEO and Founder of SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC) says that simple and habitual swaps will help us claw back thousands of pounds in energy every year. Here’s a few ideas to help save you money and help the environment… • LED Home Lighting

According to Which, a traditional bulb costs roughly £8.42 a year to run, whereas an LED only costs £1.71 a year and could save homeowners and tenants more than £180 in energy over its lifetime. Overall, switching to LED could save households up to 85% not only on their carbon footprint, but also their bills.

• The Eco Shower Head

Over 4% of the UK’s energy consumption, and the associated carbon footprint, is a result of the water industry processing and pumping the water we often take for granted when taking our daily showers. SMCC has leveraged EcoSMart technology to both use and heat 60% less water than the standard shower head, in turn reducing water expenses.

• Ecoegg Dryer Eggs

Running a tumble dryer is one of the most costly appliances in your home, accumulating roughly £40 a year if used just once a week. By selecting a cooler temperature and using an Ecoegg Dryer Egg, tumbledrying time can be reduced by up to 28%.

Make our home your home

Exceptional facilities, dining, activities and care, Signature at Beckenham o ers everything under one roof for an independent life well lived. Residential, nursing and dementia care is delivered in the most luxurious of surroundings by highly quali ed sta who have a true passion for care. From little assistance with washing, dressing and taking medication to those residents who have greater needs, we pride ourselves on providing unrivalled care and support, with bespoke care plans tailored to the individual’s needs. As with all our homes, we o er industry-leading sta to resident ratios that allow us to give holistic, person-centred care that takes into account both physical and mental wellbeing.

ASSISTED LIVING | NURSING | DEMENTIA CARE | RESPITE

To nd out more about how Signature at Beckenham can provide total peace of mind for you and your loved ones, please contact our Client Liaison Manager Laura today. 0204 530 7986 | enquiries.beckenham@signaturesl.co.uk | signature-care-homes.co.uk