Style and creativity may not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of recycling, but that’s exactly what the Great Yarmouth Borough Council recycling team were trying to convey at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show.

The Recycle for Norfolk stand featured a recycled garden and reuse room which had furniture, clothing, books and other items which were all second hand and used to highlight how to create a stylish yet environmentally friendly home.

Geraldine Hough, Recycling Communications Officer for Great Yarmouth Borough Council said “It’s surprising how many reusable items are out there. Mixed with beautiful recycled products, like glass ware, and low impact goods like solar powered lights you can have a stunning house and garden without damaging the environment or breaking the bank”.

Children were given the opportunity to make their own vase to brighten up their homes using recycled paper and materials which would otherwise have been thrown away.

The exhibit also featured an interactive compost display, sculptures made by Norfolk school children out of recyclable materials and the opportunity for the public to ask questions and get advice from recycling officers and volunteer master composters from around the county.

The stand proved to be a great success, winning the Somerleyton Cup for the most effective conservation or environmental exhibit.

Geraldine Hough added “Special thanks to Great Yarmouth Borough Services for providing a van and driver to assist with the stand. A lot of work goes into an event like this and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partner organisation as well as the county’s various councils all working together”.

For more information please contact Geraldine Hough, Recycling Communications Officer on 01493 846441 or email grh@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.

Recycle for Norfolk promotes recycling and waste minimisation across the county.  Events so far this year have included a mascot parade through Great Yarmouth Market Place for June’s big recycle and the Lord Mayor’s procession in Norwich last weekend.  For more information visit the website www.recyclefornorfolk.org.uk launched earlier this year.