I’m delighted to have been involved with the making of this book, Small Steps to Less Waste , that we hope will encourage people to choose simple alternatives to mass-produced, highly packaged goods and be inspired by the Stroud community who are finding the time and courage to make, create and look after what they have, rather than throw away and create waste. This is the next title in the Quickthorn list as a follow on the successful Darning: Repair, make, mend by Hikaru Noguchi.

The book was inspired by Stroud resident Claudi Williams who lived without plastic for a year, quite a challenge. We ask: What are the tipping points that lead people to make significant changes to their behaviour like this? Do the small acts of individuals make any difference in the big scheme of things. Claudi went on to set up Action on Plastic and royalties from the book go directly to the charity. Twelve people were asked to contribute practical projects and ideas for small changes we can make to our everyday lives. I was also captivated by the photographs of Trudie Ballantyne, course leader of photography at Gloucester University, who has collected items on a beach and arranged them and then showed her work at a talk about climate change that I attended.

‘While it is true that the challenges of our time require systems change and large-scale actions, they also demand that we all do what we can in our own lives and our communities. Stroud has long been a kind of hothouse for new ideas, led by people with the courage of their convictions and support of those around them. This practical and inspiring book draws together the stories of ordinary people who decided to “be the change,” and who will be your guides into a more sustainable way of living. The main takeaway from this book? That all of these changes, rather than diminishing us, actually make our lives fuller, richer, better connected and more purposeful. Wave farewell to plastic and discover a world of ingenuity and creativity!’ Rob Hopkins: founder of the Transition movement

Small Steps to Less Waste: Stories to inspire change is published 31 March. You can preorder the book here Hawthorn Press. There will be an online launch event at 6pm GMT on 30 March 2021, chaired by yours truly, so register your interest on the Hawthorn events page.