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12 Oct 00

NEW GREEN EXCHANGE WEBSITE

A new Green Exchange advertising board for recyclable items has been launched on the Borough of Poole's website.

The fantastic new feature is an electronic version of the Green Exchange which allows people to advertise items they might throw away because they don't know anyone who wants them. To visit the new site go to www.poole.gov.uk and click on the Green Exchange logo and post details on the 'wanted' and 'available' lists.

Louise Lowans, Recycling Officer, Borough of Poole, said: 'We hope that this facility will help schools, colleges and householders to find an additional use for their waste - as one persons waste can be another's resource.'

Additionally there are 9 'static' Green Exchanges around the Borough they can be found at the following locations:- Somerfield Canford Heath, The Co-op Creekmoor, Canford Heath Library, Courthill First School, Poole Advice Centre, Poole Energy Advice Centre, Parkstone Job Centre, Oakdale Community Centre and Creekmoor Youth Centre.

Monique Munroe, who set up a Green Exchange in Kent, said: 'We have had lots of success with the static sites so far, for example a lady has received over five large bags of wool thanks to a 'wanted' card in Somerfield at Canford Heath. The wool is
knitted up and made into a blanket and donated to Oxfam. Another lady was after old CD-ROMS to make a CD-ROM curtain with. She has received enough to start her curtain. And a man who was moving house needed some cardboard boxes which he obtained through the Green Exchange'.

Peter Pawlowski, Head of Consumer Protection Services, said: "Reducing and reusing waste are two of the ways to make a real difference to the environment. This simple, cost effective idea has been a real partnership between the voluntary sector and a number of services within the Council. We hope the expansion of the scheme to the web will encourage even more people to take advantage of it."

To use the Green Exchange web page, you must initially complete the registration process - go into the 'Discussion Forum' page to register. When you have registered, from the Discussion Forum page click on the Green Exchange - if you have items to advertise choose the 'Available' section alternatively if you need an item choose the 'Wanted' section - within both sections there are four subtopics, Garden, Household, Office or All Sorts. Choose the relevant sub topic and leave clear details of what you want or are offering.

Louise Lowans