About this goal

Eradicating poverty is not a task of charity, it’s an act of justice and the key to unlocking enormous human potential.  Still, nearly half of the world’s population lives in poverty, and lack of food and clean water is killing thousands every single day of the year.  Together, we can feed the hungry, wipe out disease and give everyone in the world a chance to prosper and live a productive and rich life.
(Goal 1: No Poverty - The Global Goals)

In Focus: Waist Not Want Not

Waist Not Want Not is a volunteer-run organisation based in Greenhills, East Kilbride who are committed to saying no to poverty in their community.  The clothing exchange initiative allows people to recycle their pre-loved clothes for credits which can then be used to upgrade their wardrobe for little or no cost.  This means that no money is needed and keeps clothes and household good in circulation longer, saving them from landfill while saving money.  This is a great example of the co-benefits of climate action – tackling the challenges of climate change while supporting our communities at the same time.

Being at the heart of the community has given the Waist Not, Want Not team a real insight into the challenges faced by many local people and allows them to be responsive to the needs of the community:

• Free self/agency referral service for clothing, household goods, baby items was created for those in a vulnerable situation was created.
• Free sanitary provision in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council is available to anyone in the community to access.
• The community hub offers a warm, safe, friendly space where people can drop in for a friendly chat and a cuppa, learn new skills and find out about other services in the community.  The hub helps alleviate social isolation and promotes better health outcomes.

This holistic approach means that the Waist Not Want Not dedicated team cover several of the Sustainable Development Goals including No Poverty (1), Climate Action (13), and Good Health and Wellbeing (3) to name a few.

Further reading and information

Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 1: No Poverty - The Global Goals 

Waist Not Want Not Facebook page
www.facebook.com/wnwnadjk33

Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy
Introduction - South Lanarkshire Council