Local children's artwork boosts reuse in Somerset!
Schools across Somerset were invited to take part in an art competition inspired by the themes of reuse and recycling. Children were encouraged to use their creativity to produce pieces of artwork representing what reuse and recycling meant to them. Winning pupils and their schools, which were Northgate Primary School, Westover Green School and Knights Templar Community Church School, received national book tokens and their artwork was used as inspiration for local artist, Sam Gaden.
Sam runs a small local business, Aerosol Art, with his partner Anna, and inspired by the children's colourful and imaginative designs, has developed a striking new mural that now decorates the large container in Bridgwater. The mural captures the energy and message of the young artists' submissions, transforming the old container into a bold visual statement promoting the circular economy.
“I really enjoyed being part of this project with SUEZ and local schools”, said Sam, local artist at Aerosol Art “It was awesome that the artwork was inspired by the local kids interpretation of what reuse and recycling means to them.”
The container itself plays a vital role in SUEZ and Somerset Council’s effort to help create a more circular economy in Somerset. Bicycles collected through the bulky waste collection service will be stored in the newly refreshed container. The pre-loved bikes are donated to local charity ‘On Your Bike’ where they have a chance of a second life. On Your Bike help people to learn new skills, this includes individuals who may have suffered social exclusion, have a disability, mental health problems, or ex-offenders as well as many others who have faced disadvantages.
Matthew Canning, Contract Director at SUEZ said: “This project is a great example of how creativity, community, and sustainability can come together. It completely incorporates the SUEZ approach of working with local communities to encourage more recycling and reuse. From hiring a local business to do the artwork, to the involvement of the children from local schools, our engagement with our communities are very important to us. “
There are already plans to expand the initiative by using the container to store other reusable items collected through the bulky collection service—items that can be diverted from disposal and donated to Somerset charities and community groups.