FAMILY'S GREEN ROUTINE HAS SAVED FORTUNE

A FAMILY say they have figured out a recycling routine that helps them save money and protect the environment

- By GLEN MINIKIN & RAMAZANI MWAMBA

Since 2019, Gemma Lees and her husband, Chris, from Bury, have turned their home into a recycling haven that sees her son Tommy and pet dog take part.

Gemma, 42, says the change happened after she became more aware of the damage being caused to the environment and decided to take action.

Gemma, who is a Romani Gypsy and whose community pioneered the rag-and-bone recycling trade in the UK hundreds of years ago, said: "Not only are we helping save the environment, but we are helping save money too, it's a win-win."

"We've saved thousands since we started recycling six years ago."

The family, led by zero-waste champion, Tommy, 13 have been named 'Britain's top binfluencers' by Biffa, the UK's leading sustainable waste management company, to mark Recycle Week, which aims to educate the nation to be more environmentally conscious.

Chris, 44, and Gemma have set up three waste bins in every room for paper, non-recyclables, bottles and cans. In the kitchen, they have an extra one for flexible plastics.

They are so savvy with their recycling that their general waste wheelie-bin can last up to 12 weeks without needing emptying.