The Great Big Green Week

This Saturday sees the start of The Great Big Green Week (Saturday 8 to Sunday 16 June 2024).

The Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest-ever collection of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. 

Now in its fourth year, this year’s theme is 'Let's swap together for good’, encouraging people across the UK to make sustainable swaps in their everyday lives.

Swaps may include swapping unwanted clothes to help reduce waste and lower the environmental impact of purchasing new clothing, swapping travelling by car to a bike or walking to help cut carbon emissions.

Community led events and activities taking place during The Great Big Green Week

• Romford Town Centre Litter Pick, Saturday 8 June (11am-1pm) meeting point near Tollgate House, Romford Market. Join the Romford BID and Romford Wombles for a litter pick around Romford Town Centre. Equipment will be provided, but please bring your own gardening gloves and a litter pick if you have one. At the end of the litter pick volunteers will be given a voucher to use with selected food traders on Romford Market for a hot drink and a filled roll.
• The Big Help Out at Rainham Hall, Saturday 8 June (12noon-3pm), The Broadway, Rainham, join the ‘drop in’ gardening session.
• The Secret Garden for the Blind Community Clean and Plant Up, Monday 10 June (from 11am), Harrow Lodge Park (opposite the leisure centre), Hornchurch RM12 4QU. Join Havering Volunteer Centre to help tidy and plant in the garden.
• Upcycling Workshop at the Creative Community Café, Tuesday 11 June (11am-1pm), Market Place, Romford RM1 3AB. Join Havering Changing for a creative arts and craft making session using upcycled materials.
• Let’s Waste Less, Wednesday 12 June (10am-3pm) Rainham Library, Celtic Farm Road, Rainham RM13 9GP. Speak to a member of the Council’s Waste and Recycling Team to find out what can go into your orange recycling sack. 
• Upcycling Workshop, Wednesday 12 June (6.30pm-8.30pm), Sapphire Jubilee Centre, Bolberry Road, Romford RM5 3BW. Join Havering Changing for a creative arts and craft making session using upcycled materials.
• The Health and Well Being Walk, Thursday 13 June (10.30am-11.30am),Thames Chase Forest Centre, Broadfields Farm, Pike Lane, Upminster RM14 3NS. Meet at the Thames Chase Forest Centre for a walking session on developing tree identification skills and learn how to relax and be at peace in an outside space. Suggested donation of £4 per person. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. To book either email enquiries@thameschase.org.uk or call the Forest Centre on 01708 642970.
• Upcycling Workshop, Thursday 13 June (11am-1pm), Creative Community Café, Market Place, Romford RM1 3AB. Join Havering Changing for a creative arts and craft making session using upcycled materials.
• Children’s Story Time and Craft Making, Thursday 13 June (4pm-5pm), Elm Park Library, St Nicholas Ave, Hornchurch RM12 4PT. Enjoy a story about nature, make a recycled tree craft, bring along a book to swap for a new one and get a wildlife guide. £2 per person (library members) or £2.50 per person for non-library members, ages four years old and over.
• Love Food Hate Waste Stall, Saturday 15 June (10am-4pm) outside Creative Café in Romford Market Place, Romford.
• Upcycling Workshop, Saturday 15 June (11am-1pm), Creative Community Café, Market Place, Romford RM1 3AB. Join Havering Changing for a creative arts and craft making session using upcycled materials.
• Grow and Show Green Event, Saturday 15 June (11am-3pm), Rainham Library, Celtic Farm Road, Rainham RM13 9GP. Learn how to grow your own plants, vegetables and fruits. Plant swap, advice and support from the Allotment Society.
• Plant and Seed Swap and Children’s Seed Pot Planting, Saturday 15 June (11am-2pm), Harold Wood Library, Arundel Rd, London RM3 0RX. Free plant and seed swap event with children’s seed planting in pots, which they can take home and watch their seeds grow.
• Litter Pick with the Harold Hill Wombles, Saturday 15 June (from 10am), Hilldene Shops area, outside Harold Hill library, 19a Farnham Road, Romford RM3 8HR. Join the Harold Hill Wombles for a community litter pick. Litter Pickers and bags provided, please bring your own garden gloves to wear.
• Sunday Market at Thames Chase Forest Centre, Sunday 16 June (10am-3pm), Broadfields Farm, Pike Lane, Upminster RM14 3NS. Offering the best in local produce brought to you by local people. The market hosts a fine selection of local produce, crafts stalls, giving you the opportunity to buy arts and craft and help support local businesses.
• Clothes Swap with East London Waste Authority, Thursday 20 June (5pm-7pm), Harold Hill Library, 19a Farnham Road, Romford RM3 8HR. Free community clothes swap (good quality clothing, accessories and bags only) and free clothing repair workshop available.
• Repair Café with East London Waste Authority, Saturday 22 June (11am-2pm) at Rainham Library, Celtic Farm Road, Rainham RM13 9GP. Bring along your clothing, small electrical goods, gadgets, bicycles for repair free of charge and swap any unwanted clothing items.