Series of initiatives launched in Liverpool to help families live more sustainably

Sustainable Starts CIC, a not-for-profit organisation in Liverpool, has successfully launched a series of initiatives aimed at making sustainable living affordable and attainable for families, thanks to £8,000 in funding from the Zero Waste Community Fund 2024/25.

The project, which launched in summer 2024, has made significant strides in reducing waste and fostering a supportive, well-connected community. The funding has enabled Sustainable Starts CIC to deliver a range of impactful services, including:

Quarterly Clothes Swap Events: Promoting reuse and reducing textile waste.

A Growing Toy Library: Providing access to toys and reducing the need for new purchases.

Weekly Playgroups for Toddlers: Creating a space for families to connect and learn.

A Cloth Nappy Lending Library: Reducing disposable nappy waste and offering an eco-friendly alternative.

Monthly Cloth Nappy Library Workshops: Providing education and support for using cloth nappies.

Anna Martin, Chairperson of Sustainable Starts CIC, expressed her enthusiasm:

“We are absolutely thrilled with the impact this project has had on local families. It means so much to our team to see the community coming together and embracing sustainable living. The funding from the Zero Waste Community Fund has been instrumental in making our vision a reality, and we are excited to continue building a more sustainable future for Liverpool.”

This month the project will reach a significant milestone with the opening of a permanent venue for its toy library at Queen’s Dock Business Centre in Liverpool’s vibrant Baltic Triangle. This dedicated space will further enhance the accessibility and impact of the toy library.

The Zero Waste Community Fund, delivered by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia, aims to increase reuse, recycling, and sustainability across the region. Sustainable Starts CIC’s work directly contributes to this goal by promoting a circular economy and cutting waste levels.

Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said:

“We are delighted to see the success of Sustainable Starts CIC’s project. It’s fantastic to see how this funding is helping to cut waste and save families money. These initiatives are making a real difference in our community, and we are proud to support them.”

The project’s focus on lending libraries is a key component of its success, as these initiatives directly prevent the creation of waste, a crucial element in building a circular economy. By providing access to reusable items, Sustainable Starts CIC is empowering families to make sustainable choices while reducing their environmental footprint.

Find out more about Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority here or Sustainable Starts CIC here.

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.