PICKLEMOUSE PUMPKIN PIES – A TALE OF FOOD, LANTERNS, AND RECYCLING….*

 THE MESSAGE:  ‘love food, hate waste’  is being used to emphasise the importance of ensuring that thousands of Halloween pumpkins are fully used and their remains recycled this year.

With October’s annual pumpkin sales steadily on the rise across the UK it is likely that 1,000,000 of the giant orange fruits will be carved into lanterns across the country.

And as a typical one weighs in at around two to three kilograms, that potentially represents tonnes of extra waste going into bins.

But once October 31st is past, Croydon council still expects thousands of their remains to be hitting the borough’s bins – with any leftover pumpkin shells placed out with the regular weekly food waste collections.

Cllr Phil Thomas, cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “It’s great to see people celebrating and enjoying Halloween. “It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a good time to remember how important it is to not throw good food away and to keep organic waste out of landfill.”

So the message from Croydon council is that pumpkins don’t just make great decorative lanterns to be thrown away after the celebrations – their flesh and seeds are great in loads of tasty recipes.

Lots of simple ideas are available on the national ‘love food, hate waste’ website at http://england.lovefoodhatewaste.com/content/make-most-your-pumpkin-Halloween.

Croydon council are also urging people to: “get creative” and send pictures of your pumpkin creations with a recycling theme to [email protected].

…..AND ENJOYING THE FIREWORK SEASON SAFELY

SAFER Croydon Partnership is urging everyone to spare a thought for safety during the firework season, so that Hallowe’en, bonfire night and Diwali can be celebrated in style.
This period is usually busy, with the council and police dealing with increases in antisocial behaviour, and the fire brigade called to more than double the usual number of small fires.
Borough fire commander, Chris Bigland, said: “We hope people will attend organised events, but if you are having your own party please use common sense and follow the firework code.
“There are stiff penalties in place for those caught misusing fireworks and putting other people in danger.”

The police will be stepping up patrols to deter troublemakers and they have advised people to consider attending an organised public event rather than risk their safety.
And children can expect a school visit from the police and the fire service spreading the fire safety message.

Superintendent Rob Atkin, from Croydon police, said: “We’ll have dedicated patrols across Croydon to prevent and deter any antisocial behaviour during this period. All of our Safer Neighbourhoods Team will be on duty across their wards, and if anyone has any concerns they should not hesitate to contact their local team for advice.”

The highest number of firework injuries happen at family parties, with more than half of those happening to children, so Croydon trading standards’ officers are urging anyone hosting their own party  to follow firework instructions carefully and to buy only from licensed retailers.

The officers have been visiting retailers to give advice about firework laws and to check they are selling and storing them correctly.
They have also been carrying out shop inspections and covert test purchasing with young volunteers to make sure the laws are being followed. Anyone found breaking the law could face fines of up to £5,000 per offence.

Adult fireworks are all fireworks except caps, cracker snaps, indoor fireworks, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throw-downs. It is illegal to sell them to anyone under 18.

*Picklemouse Pumpkin is the title of a new children’s book illustrated by Crystal Palace resident Tim Sharville and written by Marion Sharville. www.picklemousepumpkin.co.uk Now available at Amazon and Crystal Palace’s Local Bookshop The Bookseller Crow, Westow St SE19