The Things We Throw Away

It’s fair to say that when we buy a packet of crisps, we’re more interested in the crisps than the packet. But that doesn’t mean we should ignore the packaging altogether. 

Did you know that crisp packets contain a thin layer of aluminium? Our volunteers do, and that knowledge has given us the idea for a community project which promises to address two issues that the people of Swansea care about very much. We’ll let UiD trustee David Jones tell you more:

“When you scrunch up an empty crisp packet, it will naturally spring back. That’s because the packet is made of metallised plastic film, containing very thin layers of plastic and aluminium. This helps to keep the crisps fresh, which is good news for crisp lovers but bad news for the environment. The plastic and the metal are very difficult to separate, making the bags almost impossible to recycle.” 

As part of Unity in Diversity's community outreach programme, we're travelling around Swansea to engage with service users and partners all over the city. One message we're sharing is, UiD is here for you. Tell us what matters to you, because if it matters to you, it matters to us. It’s already becoming clear that two issues are constantly on the minds of local people.

How can we be more environmentally friendly?

How can we help people who are struggling to find warmth and shelter?

Spring weather doesn’t signal an end to the problems of Swansea people needing housing support. The 2020s has seen a dramatic rise in the numbers of people seeking help, and the Council is, understandably, finding it a challenge to help everyone. With large numbers of people in temporary accommodation or, worse, without accommodation at all, the pressure on local charities such as Matthew’s House is constant. David Jones knows this particular organisation  well:

“Matthew’s House is an ideal partner for Unity in Diversity. In its own words, it offers hope and hospitality in the heart of Swansea, providing friendship, hot food and dignity packs containing essential hygiene products. People are valued and supported from the moment they walk through the door, just as they are at UiD. Now we want to support the warm welcome they offer vulnerable people by offering literal warmth alongside it.”

The layer of aluminium in empty crisp packets creates insulation. Cutting open, cleaning and joining together multiple packets creates lightweight blankets that will keep people warm. Campers, hikers, marathon runners and emergency workers have benefited from similar thinking for many years. These blankets are waterproof and windproof, and invaluable aids to people struggling in cold conditions. Airtight foil reduces heat loss through convection and by reducing the evaporation of sweat. And of course by making positive use of unrecyclable waste, it helps make Swansea greener as well as warmer. We've started work on the project and David has high hopes for its success:

“When we share the message of UiD, we're proud to say we can suggest practical solutions to the challenges facing our friends around Swansea. Starting in 2026, those solutions will include supplying Matthew’s House with insulating blankets. There's so much good to be found in the things we throw away.”