Our latest blog post is from Carl of Lentils and Lather eco-friendly and ethical superstore in Withington. Find out how Lentils and Lather is helping the community to use less plastic and shop more sustainably.
We started Lentils and Lather just over a year ago with the primary objective of enabling the people in our community to reduce the amount of plastic waste they produce. However, in the short time that we’ve been open, we’ve gained a lot of knowledge about a whole host of issues and have broadened our goals to include a range of sustainable and ethical practices. These include buying locally where possible to minimise carbon emissions and supporting other local programmes and businesses that have an ethos similar to our own.
Let’s break that down a little to see what we mean and how we address those key areas in our operation.
Plastic packaging is so entwined with modern life that it’s not until you actually stop and think about what happens to your waste each week when the bins are collected that you realise that something isn’t right with how we’ve been treating this material. Plastic is a brilliant invention, but is there really any need to wrap your packet of pasta in plastic, just so you can take it from the shop to your kitchen cupboard? A shampoo bottle is perfect in the shower as it’s durable, water-resistant and it’s strong polymer structure means it could last a lifetime – why then, do we bin it after just a few weeks?
This is where shops like ours come in to play. You can turn up at Lentils and Lather (there are others around Greater Manchester too!) with your containers, which you can refill with many of the products you need around the home. We buy in bulk and sell by weight, so you can take as much or as little as you need. Our range includes things like olive oil, rice, lentils (obviously!), chickpeas, shower gel, hair conditioner, laundry liquid, fabric softener, surface cleaners, hand soap and much, much more.
We endeavour to minimise any plastic packaging that’s used in our supply chain. For example, we buy things like pasta, rice and lentils in 5-25kg paper sacks, but where we really do need plastic (e.g. liquids) we opt for suppliers that operate a circular supply system. Our suppliers provide their products in 25L containers that they take back when they’re empty to clean, refill and reuse many times over. This retains the value of the plastic that’s been formed in a particular way; it’s much better than breaking it down and turning it into something else.
Although we set out with a simple mission to reduce plastic waste, we’ve quickly realised that it’s just one piece in the sustainability puzzle.
One of the biggest, but most easily attainable actions we can achieve is to look at where our goods come from and reduce the carbon footprint needed to get a product from manufacturer to consumer.
Many of the products we stock are made by local, independent manufactures, who provide us with a wide range of things from reusable face wipes, wax food wraps, face coverings, soap bars, plant pots, kitchen cloths/sponges and butty bags.
Food-wise, we stock vegan chocolates that are made in Didsbury, bread that is baked in Chorlton, quinoa and extra virgin rapeseed oil that comes from the Midlands and pasta that hails from London and uses British grains. Many of these products are organic too!
We know that not everything can be made or grown locally, but when we do have to source products from different parts of the world we ensure that our suppliers place sustainable and Fairtrade practices high on their agenda.
Finally, we’re well aware that there are many others striving to achieve improvements across a wide range of environmental and social issues and we aim to utilise our business to support these however we can.
For example, we came across Chorlton Bike Deliveries towards the end of the lockdown earlier this year and were pleased to hear that there was a group of people offering those who were self-isolating the opportunity to have goods delivered by bike from a range of local shops in the Chorlton area. We made contact with the eco-couriers and signed up to be added to their list of suppliers and help raise awareness of their mission. We also act as a collection point for locally grown produce delivered by Veg Box People.
We utilise our buying power to make regular donations to a charity that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged adults as well as collecting empty crisp packets for a guide dog charity who generates a revenue stream by sending them to Terracycle.
Finally, we’ve just launched our own loyalty card where customers can claim a number of rewards, one of which is a contribution to City of Trees – a Greater Manchester project that’s transforming unloved woodlands and aiming to plant 3 million trees in our locality.
The things we’ve mentioned in this feature are just a small example of how we’re setting out our stall and there are many more things that we could talk about that can help people who, like us, are concerned for the environment. Being small and independent means that we’re able to take a flexible approach to how we run our business and no doubt there will be many changes in the future as we learn of new ways to have an impact on plastic waste and other environmental issues.
Post tags: plastic free reuse
Keep up to date with the latest recycling news as well as lots of handy hints and top tips on how you can waste less and recycle more.
Open day at the Renew Hub! To book go to: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/NtOWSZaJmA
Read up on our new campaign to get Greater Manchester #InTheLoopGM 👇 twitter.com/resource_media…
Open day at the Renew Hub! To book go to: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… Come and see how we are working towards a circular economy by repairing, reusing, upcycling and recycling all kinds of things that people have donated that otherwise would have gone to waste.
The Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund closes 12pm on Friday 26th May. Apply now for up to £20k for your community waste reduction, recycling or reuse project. Go to recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/ZqbXOPqky6
Get #InTheLoopGM with bin confidence – once your food waste is in the bin, it's turned into compost to make more crops and food! ♾️ recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/3iCvtD4J9Z
Did you know vapes have batteries hidden within them? When vapes are incorrectly disposed of, they can get crushed in bin lorries & recycling centres which start fires. Never bin them, recycle ALL your vapes separately - recycleyourelectricals.org.uk pic.twitter.com/fUa6GnQigZ
Keep materials In The Loop by recycling, reusing or repairing you are helping the planet thrive within the resources we already have, help us #MoveTheDate on #OvershootDay recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/gb3Bhj3kBU
Greater Manchester, it’s time to get #InTheLoopGM ♾️ Recycle, Reuse and Repair to contribute to a Circular Economy youtube.com/watch?v=7chq4I…
Open day at the Renew Hub! Come and see how we are working towards a circular economy by repairing, reusing, upcycling and recycling all kinds of things that people have donated that otherwise would have gone to waste. Visit to book: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/N0EYWNIr12
Last year, Ava and Kyle’s neighbours recycled a steel can ♾️ Now, it’s back #InTheLoopGM and making Ava and Kyle’s favourite pasta sauce. recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/50IovduSeg
Use the drop down menus below to find a quick and easy answer to our frequently asked questions.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Bolton council directly.
Tel: 01204 336 632
Email: wasteandrecycling@bolton.gov.uk
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Bolton council directly.
Tel: 01204 336 632
Email: neighbourhoodservicesinbox@bolton.gov.uk
You can also complete the online form.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Bolton council directly.
Email: wasteandrecycling@bolton.gov.uk
Tel: 01204 336 632
You can also complete the online order form or order a new recycling bin orcontainer in person at the One Stop Shop in Bolton Town Hall.
How to order more compostable food bags
When you are running low on liners, please tie an empty liner around the handle of your food waste container or green bin on collection day and the crew will leave you a new roll of liners.
You can also visit the One Stop Shop at Bolton Town Hall or the UCAN centres for replacement rolls of liners.
To find out where your nearest UCAN Centre is visit the Bolton council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
If you just need liners or only need a caddy, you can collect these yourself from:
3 Knowsley Place (opposite Bury Town Hall)
Six Town Housing, 6 Knowsley Place, Bury (liners only)
Customer Support and Collections, Whittaker Street, Radcliffe
Alternatively, attach the yellow tag found towards the end of the roll to your brown food and garden bin. Our collection crew will leave you a new roll.
You can also contact Bury council directly on their website.
If you are ordering a new or replacement brown recycling bin, you can order a caddy and liners at the same time with this online form.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Bury council directly here to request a new or replacement bin.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Bury council directly here to report fly-tipping,
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Bury council directly here to report a missed bin collection.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
When you get to the end of a roll, you’ll find a tag to request a new roll. Attach this tag to your bin handle and the collection crew will leave a new roll.
You can also pick up a new roll of compostable food bags at any Manchester library or request them on the Manchester City council website.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Manchester City council directly on their website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please visit the Manchester City council website and follow the instructions to report fly-tipping.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Manchester City council directly here.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
Food caddy liners can be purchased from a number of outlets in Oldham.
For the list of outlets please visit the Oldham council website.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Oldham council directly by:
Email: waste@oldham.gov.uk
Tel: 0161 770 6644
Or complete the online form on the Oldham council website.
To report flytipping on council property
Please contact Oldham council directly.
Tel: 0161 770 6644
Or report it online on the Oldham council website.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Oldham council directly.
Email: waste@oldham.gov.uk
Tel: 0161 770 6644
Complete this online form on the Oldham council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
To request for more compostable food bags, attach the yellow tag found towards the end of the roll to your brown food and garden bin or street food caddy. The collection crew will leave you a new roll or you can collect free compostable liners from any of the libraries in Rochdale.
More information and list of libraries on Rochdale council website.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Rochdale council directly.
Tel: 0300 303 8884
Or complete the online form on Rochdale council website.
Report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Rochdale council directly.
Tel: 0300 303 8884
Or report it online via the Rochdale council website.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Rochdale council directly.
Tel: 0300 303 8884
Or complete this online form on Rochdale council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
Simply tie an empty liner to the lid of your pink lidded food and garden bin or outdoor food bin and place out for collection as normal. Salford council will deliver some more liners for free.
You can also order more compostable food bags by telephone on 0161 793 2500.
Or complete the online form on the Salford council website.
You can also collect two rolls of kitchen caddy liners, free of charge, from the Gateway centres and other locations across the city. Find your nearest here.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Salford council directly.
Tel: 0161 793 2500
Or order one online on the Salford council website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Salford council directly.
Tel: 0161 793 2500
Report it online via the Salford council website.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Salford council directly.
Tel: 0161 793 2500
Or complete this online form on the Salford council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
A roll of 150 liners is delivered to each Stockport household every year.
If you run out, you can buy them directly from the supplier online or over the telephone on 0844 571 4444.
Most supermarkets now stock compostable liners, just look out for the EN13432 composting association logo to make sure the liners are suitable to be used in your food waste caddy.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Stockport council directly
Tel: 0161 217 6111
Or complete this online form on the Stockport council website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Stockport council directly.
Tel: 0161 217 6111
Or complete the online form on the Stockport council website.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Stockport council directly.
Tel: 0161 217 6111
Complete this online form on the Stockport council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
To request for more compostable food bags, tie an empty liner around the handle of your brown food and garden bin and the collection crew will leave you a new roll.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Tameside council directly.
Tel: 0161 342 8355
Or complete the online form on Tameside council’s website.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Tameside council directly.
Tel: 0161 342 8355
Or complete this online form on the Tameside council website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Tameside council directly.
Tel: 0161 342 8355
Or report it online via the Tameside council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
Trafford council now provides everyone with a year’s supply of compostable food bags.
If you run out of compostable food bags, you can contact Trafford council on 03330 035865 to order more. Trafford council will deliver these to you free of charge.
You can also pick up a roll from any Trafford library.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please complete an online form on Trafford council’s website here.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Trafford council here to report fly-tipping.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Trafford council directly by completing this online form.
For other enquiries please complete the contact form.
If you have any enquiries about your waste and recycling bin collection service, please contact your local council directly.
If you have a complaint about a Recycling Centre, please put your complaint in an email to ContractManagerGM.uk@suez.com
If you have been through the complaints procedure with SUEZ and you are unhappy with the response provided you may wish to escalate your complaint to GMwaste@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk
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