Rationale. Our estimate is that 1 million apples may go to waste in Epsom and Ewell every year - we know of at least 3 former orchards in the Borough …..

If this is true, and if there are 10 apples in a kilo, that is 100,000 kg of wasted apples, or, 100 tonnes !! Much of this goes in the Council’s Green Waste collections.

At the same time, we estimate that the supermarkets altogether sell at least 100 cartons of apple juice a day, which is 30,000 cartons a year – if each one is a litre, that = 30,000 litres = 30,000 kg = 30 tonnes.

Clearly. there is a great opportunity here both to save wasted apples and to use local resources better, replacing food that is “brought in” with locally grown food.

Advantages of the scheme
We would be very happy to distribute leaflets and information regarding a number of elements of the scheme, if suitable leaflets can be provided, as the scheme “ticks so many boxes” of policy aims.

1. It is a great example of “joined-up thinking” and demonstrates the foresight of Epsom and Ewell Borough Council – we would be very happy to feature in the Borough “Insight” Magazine, and provide photo opportunities for the Mayor to inaugurate the scheme, etc.
2. It takes the “waste reduction” message out to the public and shows a practical step that can be taken locally
3. It emphasises the “healthy living” message – NHS, Age Concern and British Heart Foundation campaigners may be interested in getting involved
4. Perhaps a Horton Orchard Group could be set up, or a group to study the old orchards of Epsom and the rare apple varieties that may still exist, or a group to advise and help with the pruning of fruit trees.
5. There may also be “completing the cycle” initiatives for the food / waste / compost / fertility cycle
6. We are also happy to get involved in any “community development” projects in the Borough

As the press was funded by Epsom and Ewell, work within the Borough is our only main priority, however, we think it would be OK for certain other organisations (SeeAbility, the Grange) also to have access to the equipment