Free ad campaign out to cut waste

THE Guernsey Press today launches Ecycle, a free service to encourage more people to recycle their unwanted goods. Anyone who has something to get rid of - providing that they do not want any money for it - can advertise it free in the newspaper and on the This is Guernsey website.

Taking the theme 'What Would You Gift Away?', the service will be fully operational on Saturday when the first list of goods on offer will be published in the Guernsey Press.

Those keen to join in the fun can become involved immediately by sending in their advert.

The Ecycle column will appear every Tuesday and Saturday, with the number and range of items on offer likely to increase as readers get into the swing of things.

Once accepted for publication, the advertisement will appear free of

charge in the newspaper for three insertions.

But it will remain on the website until the advertiser contacts the Guernsey Press by email or on 240277 to request its deletion.

Guernsey Press managing director Paul Carter said that the scheme was a community-spirit-driven venture.

'It is up to all of us to play our part in reducing the amount of things that are thrown away,' he said.

'Attitudes are changing and more efforts are being made to recycle goods and prevent them from going into the landfill site.'

Readers can advertise most items through Ecycle, with obvious exceptions such as firearms and animals.

Telesales manager Sue Hart will monitor the adverts to make sure that they are genuine.

'This is a free service for Guernsey Press readers in which no money must change hands,' said Mr Carter.

'We hope it will make people think before they throw away an unwanted sofa or garden chairs that someone else might be able to make use of.'

Environment Department recycling officer Jan Dockerill welcomed the initiative.

She said that up to 2,000 items a month were collected by the department's bulk refuse scheme and most ended up in Mont Cuet.

'About one third are metal and are separated out for recycling, but a lot more has potential for reuse - we see everything from furniture and carpets to almost-new kitchen units being dumped, so this new idea from the Guernsey Press is a fantastic boost to our drive to divert rubbish from landfill at Mont Cuet.'

One person's rubbish could be another's treasure, she said.

'Reuse of any article is always the most environmentally-friendly option.'

People will be able to submit an advert, of no more than 20 words, or go to the website and submit it online.

The website can be found at www.thisisguernsey.com/ecycle and the first coupon is in today's classified pages.