At its heart, the circular economy is about valuing materials and resources and keeping them in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and using the planet’s resources more efficiently. It’s a big part of our drive towards zero waste, and we’ve already got something to be proud of locally. London Bridge station has the highest recycling rate of any station in the country, at 94%. It’s proof of what’s possible when a place gets behind it, and it’s inspiring us to do more.

We’re working with circular consultants SOENECS to develop a London Bridge Circular Action Plan. Following a vibrant workshop with local businesses earlier this month, we’re now pursuing projects across six broad themes: food and organic resources, culture, venues and the visitor economy, packaging, recycling and single use items, buildings, fit-out and construction, workplaces, furniture and equipment, and healthcare and specialist materials.

If you have a project or idea that fits into any of these areas, or think we’ve missed something, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with jack@teamlondonbridge.co.uk.

Circular Economy Week itself brings seven days of inspiring, energising events across London and beyond. Explore what’s on.

Closer to home, we’re offering a Repair Voucher Scheme to help extend the life of your phone, watch or shoes at some of London Bridge’s great local repair shops. £50 vouchers are available towards repairs at Ross Watch Repairs, Fone Doctors and James Shoe Care, with just five vouchers per venue and members prioritised, so sign up early. Find out more and claim your voucher.

If it’s your clothes that need a little care, join our Sashiko workshop on Thursday 12 October, 12:00-14:00, at the London Bridge Hive. Led by Kavitha of isifiso, it’s a beginner friendly introduction to the Japanese art of visible mending, no experience needed, and you’ll take home a repair kit to keep mending at home. Book your place.

And if it’s your bike that needs some love, come along to our Bike Wash & Dr Bike session on Thursday 15 October, 8:30-12:30, on Newcomen Street. Tyred’s Cytech-qualified mechanics will give your bike a full safety check and a wash, so it leaves clean and roadworthy. No need to book, just drop by. Find out more.