First there were cows: Could a bullock be next?
It was reported this week that Lewisham Council’s idea of dressing up their recycling bins in New Cross to resemble cows has resulted in a 60% jump in collected rubbish. Apparently the black and white Friesian cattle-like designs egg people on to `feed’ them with garbage. What other bovine designs could be used to spur people on to recycle more? Hmmm…

Mayor Steve Bullock, who was proud to trumpet his green credentials in his last electoral campaign, is championing this project. He seems quite keen: "Moo Cross is a great way to get people recycling and help make Lewisham even greener. We want people to see more than just recycling bins and warm to them. I’m urging local people to take care of the cows and fatten them up with plastic bottles, cans, card, paper and glass." Moo Cross? Pull the udder one (groan). Jokes aside, Lewisham Council, has the unenviable position of being the third worst London borough for recycling, as well as being in the bottom ten local authorities nationally, so things can only get better. And perhaps, a golden opportunity has presented itself for our Mayor.

It seems to me that given the anger of those who want to see the end of the Mayoralty system Lewisham has, Mr. Bullock can capitalise on both his name and the seething for a greater good. He could encourage his photograph to be stuck on recycling bins across the borough with a sign saying `Feed me, I’m hungry’. What a productive way to channel the pent up frustration of those determined to see the end of executive Mayoralty! By inviting them to shove garbage into his open jaws! Who knows? Lewisham could eventually jump over, not the moon (sorry) but the local authority of St Edmundsbury in West Suffolk to become the nation’s top recycler…