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Local Heroes

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A Final Thought

A Final Thought

community Local Heroes...

Craig Bamford

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Lucy Rawe nominated Craig Bamford as a local hero.

Lucy said: “I'd like to nominate Craig from Package Less as a local hero. He has brought 'plastic free' shopping to Orpington market. He’s really friendly and very positive about making a difference to the planet.”

How does it feel to be nominated as a local hero by Lucy?

I was honoured. Lucy has been a great campaigner for everything we've been trying to achieve in Orpington.

Lucy says that you’ve brought plastic-free shopping to Orpington – can you describe how you’ve managed to do that?

I bought a second-hand electric vehicle and created a business that could be taken to markets or be taken to someone's house where they could buy organic products like rice, pastas, pulses, oats and a lot more that wasn't in plastic packaging. I also offer refills for things like washing up liquids, washing detergents, all-purpose cleaners and other household cleaning liquids.

Why was it important for you to get involved in this – and what’s your background?

I was an accountant in London going in to the pandemic, but after the incredibly tough year we all had I decided I wanted to do something more fulfilling. I’ve always lived around the Southeast London/Kent area and was educated in the borough. I love the outdoors, especially camping with the kids as it gives me an opportunity to switch off and remind myself how wonderful nature is. Buying organic and fewer chemically-enhanced products is something I've strived to do for as long as I've been buying my own products. My love for the outdoors led me to do research in to what is doing damage to our planet and made me want to buy responsibly.

Are you involved in any other community-related activities or projects?

Since quitting my job in October 2020, I have been very focused on the business. Other than small donations to an Orpington Scouts club, we have done very little other activities/projects. The goal is to join a local litter picking club with the children and eventually go on beach clean ups too when things return to normal. We use a local Terracycle drop off, but are looking at offering Terracycle ourselves at some point too.

Why do you think community is so important?

If 2020 (as horrific as it was) taught us something it was this: If we come together as a community (as Great Britain did), we can overcome even the worst of situations. With support from our neighbours, we truly can do anything.

What are your thoughts on Life In Orpington magazine?

I think it's fabulous that Life In Orpington champions all things good about the local area, both places and people. With the world at our fingertips, I think it's easy to forget that good things are being done on our doorsteps and we maybe need reminding to connect with our local community because it offers more than just the products you're buying. It offers a sense of 'community' - a sense of belonging.

What is it you love most about our local area?

Memories and friends. Although I may have moved back to Lewisham, my childhood area, my teen years and most of my 20s were spent in the Orpington area. Hanging out in Blockbuster where one of my friends worked at the time through to watching football in the Maxwell and the Buff. Wherever I go in Orpington, there is always something that reminds me of my little community that I built there, and even though many of us have moved out of the area, it will always be full of good memories from my formative years.

What message would you like to spread to encourage people to be more eco-conscious?

'We don't need a few people doing this perfectly, we need millions doing it imperfectly' - this is a quote I see everywhere on social media, but one I think we should all take a closer look at. It's human nature to want to do everything to perfection, but that is an impossible situation. Don't try and become an eco-warrior overnight because you'll beat yourself up and eventually give up after you realise it's not easy and that in fact it's almost impossible. Change one small thing about your life, and once that change becomes habit then make another small change. A special ‘Thank You’ to Sue at Time For Flowers for sponsoring the Local Hero bouquet.

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