Our journey to a waste-free Haslemere.

In the heart of our beautiful town, Haslemere, we’re lucky to be surrounded by lush greenery, rich wildlife, and a strong sense of community. But, like many other communities, Haslemere faces the growing challenges of waste, pollution, and environmental impact. That’s where Love Haslemere Hate Waste comes in. We’re a community-driven initiative passionate about tackling waste issues locally, inspiring small changes that, together, make a big difference.

This first blog offers a glimpse into our journey - why we started, what drives us, and where we’re headed. We also want to invite you to join us, whether through small steps or bigger actions, as we work towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Haslemere.

Why we started

Our vision is to shift the focus from global issues to tangible actions we can take right here in Haslemere. Research shows that single-use plastics, excessive packaging, and food waste are among the leading causes of pollution, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and harming our local wildlife.

These issues are particularly pressing in small towns like ours. So, by making responsible choices and creating sustainable habits, we believe we can help curb waste and inspire others to do the same. Love Haslemere Hate Waste was born out of this belief - that real change begins at the community level.

Our initiatives: The path to a waste-free Haslemere

Our work is focused on hands-on projects and events designed to help residents embrace a low-waste lifestyle. Here are a few of the ways we’re making a difference:

The Repair Café: Ever had a broken toaster, a torn jumper, or a malfunctioning gadget that you weren’t sure how to fix? Our Repair Café brings together skilled volunteers who help repair household items, saving them from landfill. It’s a place to learn, share skills, and realise that not everything needs to be replaced.

The Library of Things: How often do we buy tools or gadgets that we only use once or twice? Our Library of Things lets people borrow items they might not use regularly, like lawnmowers or power tools, reducing the need to buy new ones. This not only saves money but also helps cut down on waste from rarely-used items.

Community Fridge: Food waste is a major issue, and our Community Fridge helps tackle this problem by redistributing surplus food to those who need it. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reduce waste and ensure that good food doesn’t end up in the bin.

Litter picking: Together, we tackle litter hotspots around Haslemere, organising regular community litter picks to keep our town clean and green. It’s a simple, impactful way to protect our environment, wildlife, and public spaces, encouraging a shared sense of pride in our town.

Love Style Hate Waste: Through our Love Style Hate Waste events, we champion sustainable style by encouraging people to embrace pre-loved fashion and quality over quantity. From styling tips to clothing swaps, we offer resources that make sustainable fashion accessible, stylish, and fun.

Educational workshops and events: We regularly host workshops, talks, and community events that cover a range of topics, from upcycling to sustainable cooking. These gatherings are designed to educate, inspire, and connect like-minded individuals who care about making a difference.

Where we’re headed

Our mission to make Haslemere waste-free isn’t just about short-term changes, it’s about instilling long-lasting habits that benefit future generations. In the coming years, we envision a Haslemere where:

• Single-use plastic is almost non-existent, replaced by reusable or compostable options.

• Residents embrace circular economy principles, where items are reused, repaired, and recycled.

• Food waste is drastically reduced, and everyone has access to resources like the Community Fridge.

• More people are involved in waste reduction initiatives, taking pride in our community’s green reputation.

To make this vision a reality, we’ll continue expanding our programmes, seeking partnerships, and growing our community involvement. We’re also committed to collaborating with local businesses and councils to implement sustainable practices town-wide..

Making Haslemere a beacon of sustainability

At Love Haslemere Hate Waste, we’re driven by the belief that a small group of committed people can make a difference. Every piece of litter picked up, every item repaired, every plastic bottle avoided - it all adds up. By joining us, you’re not only helping reduce waste in Haslemere, you’re becoming part of a movement for positive change.

So, here’s to a greener, cleaner Haslemere.