Making things last: Upcycling, Repairing, and Sharing in your Community

Feedback updated 30 Jul 2026

We asked

In March - April 2025, we asked for feedback on upcycling, repairing, and sharing to inform our Circular Economy Strategy and support local initiatives that reduce consumption impact on the climate crisis.

You said

You expressed support for reusing, repairing, buying pre-loved and upcycling but highlighted barriers such as limited awareness of sharing platforms and a lack of affordable, accessible local repair hubs.

Graphic summary of the feedback we received. Responses from twenty-one individuals, three charitable organisations, and one community group. Respondents were aged between twenty-five and eighty-four. Nineteen percent were inspired to take part to reduce waste, fourteen percent to connect with others and eleven percent to learn new skills and save money. The top three activities that respondents were involved in were upcycling (fifteen percent), clothes swaps (thirteen point five percent) and attending jumble sales (eleven percent). In terms challenges, twenty-four percent identified lack of funds or resources, twenty-four percent limited spaces or facilities, and twenty percent difficulties spreading awareness.

We did

Your input was a vital element in shaping the Circular Economy Strategy (CESAP) 2025-28. We committed to supporting community repair networks, expanding the circular business network, and providing sharing toolkits for neighbourhoods and businesses. 

You can see the full strategy HERE

Closed 11 May 2025

Opened 26 Mar 2025

Contact

greenerhackney@hackney.gov.uk

Overview

Whether you are upcycling, sharing, repairing, renting, or reusing, your actions help build stronger, more connected communities, spark creativity, and help others save money. Even if waste reduction isn’t your primary focus, your experiences can inspire others and shape future support for these initiatives.

This survey is for individuals, charities, and community groups. If you are a business, we are running a separate engagement exercise.

There are many ways people and community groups are already making a difference:

  • Renting instead of buying: Borrowing, leasing or renting items so they can be reused

  • Using materials wisely: Using leftover, surplus, or recycled materials to create something new

  • Giving things a second life: Repairing things to make things last for longer

  • Sharing with others: Making the best use of household items, food, clothes, and other stuff through sharing platforms

Your views, stories, and feedback will help us better understand the current practices, but also support reuse, repair, and sharing initiatives in local spaces and community hubs. They will also help us shape Hackney’s upcoming Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan to reduce the impact of consumption on the climate crisis.

As a thank you for sharing, you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of five veg boxes worth £20 from Growing Communities. To be entered into the draw, please provide your contact details at the end of this survey.

If you want to contact the Climate Team on this subject, email us at greenerhackney@hackney.gov.uk

What happens next

We will implement the CESAP to boost the local green economy. We will support community groups to launch local repair hubs through the Repair Cafe Grant and share updates via Greener Hackney and Hackney Council channels.

Interests

  • Voluntary and community sector organisations