A recycling revolution with its roots in Govan is in full bloom
Gilded Lily, an innovative crafts project which aims to increase women’s confidence, sets a new precedent in community-led action on climate change with its ethos of recycling and reducing waste, discovers Ann Fotheringham
THE short quotation, stuck to colourful paper on the wall at Gilded Lily, sums up the award-winning Glasgow initiative’s current focus.
“The antidote to climate change is community,” it reads, surrounded by cheerful photographs of the project’s members in action – sewing, cooking, crafting, all with the emphasis on reducing, reusing and recycling.
“What is happening in the world because of climate change is very scary,” explains Yasmeen Chaudhry, who has been taking part in the classes for the last few months. “Doing this makes you feel like you can play your part.”
Gilded Lily, based in Govan on Glasgow’s south side, was set up by Fiona Macneil, a former Herald Entrepreneur of the Year, to help women overcome barriers and become more confident and creative.
“I joined Fiona to run an entrepreneurship project for young mums, training them and encouraging them to set up in business,” explains project manager Mary Macleod, who has worked in the Third Sector for many years.
“Things have evolved from there and Fiona has since moved on but now, in addition to the business side of things, we run a range of projects, including creativity and confidence workshops, mentoring projects, and our Scottish Government Climate Challenge Fund project, Waste to Wishes.”
She adds: “We run sewing, cooking and craft sessions, all built around the ethos of reducing waste, and reusing and recycling what we have.
“For example, we use donations of leftover food from local supermarkets in our cooking classes, discuss how food production affects the climate and how we can reduce food waste at home; with used plastic bottles, we have created some amazing jewellery; and we are preparing for a fashion show featuring upcycled clothes, made and modelled by our sewers.”
Yuen Humble used leftover fabric to make a lovely lilac embroidered jacket for the show, which takes place in Govan and Linthouse Parish Church on March 12.
“It is important to promote recycling,” says Yuen, who came to Glasgow from Hong Kong four years ago. “We can’t do the big things needed to save the planet but if all of us do a little at a time, using our skills and knowledge, together we can have a big impact.
“I like to sew, I enjoy coming here to meet new friends and learn new things.”
Today, Yuen and Yasmeen have joined fellow Waste to Wishes participants for a cooking session.
The smell of freshly made pizza and sweet caramel sauce (for the vegan meringues to follow) drifts through the cheerful, bright shop unit on busy Govan Road.
Yasmeen, from nearby Pollokshields, is taking part in the climate change leadership course.
“I feel strongly that we need to be aware of what we are doing to the planet,” she agrees.
“I want to get involved, but I am quite reserved and shy. The course shows you that you don’t have to be an overconfident or outspoken to be able to make a difference. It teaches you everyone can shine.”
She adds: “I really enjoy coming here. It is a welcoming place, where we can all sit together and eat together, sharing stories and food.
“Nothing is wasted and as well as the practical side of the sessions, we get a lot of information. Mary is really great and very enthusiastic – she has taught us a lot.
“For example, we have learned simple things, like how much water is used to make a loaf of bread. You don’t think about things like that when you go in to the supermarket and choose one off the shelf.
“The course makes you think about the decisions we make and what we can do to make sure all our voices are heard.”
Mary agrees. “The course is designed to empower women, to raise their confidence and to encourage them to talk about climate change and look at how they can get involved, debating the issues and influencing the decisionmakers,” she explains.
“The women we support come from a diverse mix of backgrounds and cultures, from all over the city. We work with local mental health and homeless services, refugees and asylum seekers.
“Hopefully by the end of the course, some will feel confident enough to make their voices heard, whether that is by writing to their MSP to see what can be done, or by running their own campaigns in the community.
“We are also hoping to run climate change workshops for girls aged 12 to 15 and would love to hear from young people interested in taking part.”
Yasmeen says the course has inspired her. “I was surprised to learn some parts of the city don’t have the same recycling facilities as others,” she says. “That could be something I’d like to look in to perhaps – it should not matter where you live, whether it is a poorer area or a richer one, you should have the same opportunities.
“Climate change affects everyone. It’s important all voices – different voices – are heard in the fight against it.”
It should not matter where you live, whether it is a poorer area or a richer one, you should have the same opportunities. Climate change affects everyone and so it is important all voices - are heard in the fight against it