Zero Waste Carlisle: A local guide to reducing city waste
Carlisle may be best known for its cathedral, castle, city walls and position between the Lake District and the Scottish borders. But there is another side to the city worth discovering: a growing community of people finding practical ways to reduce waste, reuse resources and live more susainably.
Going zero waste in Carlisle does not mean completely eliminating your household bin or buying a cupboard full of expensive ‘eco’ products. It is about making better use of what is already available in the city, buying thoughtfully, repairing rather than replacing – and finding useful homes for things you no longer need.
Reasons to go zero waste in Carisle
Despite its city location, the historic city of Carlisle is surrounded by countryside, rivers and farmland, all important habitats for birds and wildlife. The city lies near the Rivers Eden, Caldew and Petteril, the waterways providing habitats for fish, birds, insects and plants.
Wetlands and riverbanks also play an important role in helping to prevent floods (of which Carlisle has suffered severely in recent years). Located in one of the wettest parts of England, these can help to soak up water, to use alongside engineered flood defences.
Cumbria is home to a lot of agricultural land, so good soil makes for healthy food and farming. And losing habitats means less pollinators, who are responsible for producing most of our food (bees!)
As a city with road and rail connections, Carlisle experiences traffic and associated emissions. Encouraging walkable communities, cycling and public transport can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This can also mean fewer car journeys and more opportunities for physical exercise.
City tree planting helps to reduce urban heat island effect, which means cooler temperatures in summer.
The Rebuild Site (rescues building materials)
The Rebuild Site accepts surplus materials like timber to old paint, which goes to community groups and charities to help with their building, crafting, repair or gardening projects. So far it has helped over 280 groups in Cumbria and southwest Scotland, and diverted over 10,000 litres of paint from incineration.
If gardening near animal friends, read up on pet-friendly gardens (avoid facing plants to gardens, to help stop birds flying into glass windows).
It also runs a tool library. Rather than buying an expensive tool that might only be used once or twice a year, members can borrow tools when they need them.
Avoid renting garden strimmers as they harm wildlife (use garden shears instead). Or at least sweep areas with a broom first, to give wildlife a chance to escape. Also avoid robotic mowers (sleeping wildlife can’t escape in time).
Take dangerous electric tools back to shops, which by law have to recycle them (even if you are not buying anything new).
Carlisle Repair Café
If you have a broken item sitting at home, don’t automatically put it in the bin.
Carlisle Repair Café lets you take along broken possessions, to see if their skilled volunteers can repair them. They can often help rescue household appliances, clothing, toys, furniture and bicycles.
Repairing an item avoids the need to make, package and transport a replacement. While also preventing the original item from going to waste.
Sustainable Carlisle also runs Carlisle Free Stall, held monthly within the beautiful grounds of the cathedral. No payment or donation is exchanged, preloved goods are simply passed on from one to another.
Cumbria Clothing Collective
Cumbria Clothing Collective lists local clothes swapping events, where you can pass on items that no longer suit your style, size or circumstances. The site also lists local sewing workshops and has a directory of clothing repair shops.
Locally-owned charity shops provide another route for extending the life of clothing. Carlisle has several shops around the city centre.
Before donating clothes, check they are clean and suitable for reuse. You can pop soiled/damaged (even old undies and shoes) in textile recycling banks, the fibres are shredded and made into things like insulation.
As most donated clothes contain synthetic materials, launder in a microfiber filter, to stop microplastics escaping washing machines, into the sea.
Carlisle’s monthly market (in cathedral grounds)
Carlisle Cathedral’s farmers and makers’ market is held each month in the historic grounds of the cathedral. You’ll find everything from homemade goodies to artisan crafts. All stallholders are local producers and makers, so you’re supporting the nearby economy.
Shopping locally can help reduce unnecessary journeys, particularly when several errands can be combined into a single trip around the city centre. Take reusable bags with you. And where appropriate, ask retailers whether reusable containers are suitable for the product you are buying.
