Now in its 17th year, Recycle Week is a celebration of recycling, organised by charity WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme).

The aim of the week is to encourage the public to recycle more, by demonstrating the benefits of recycling items from all around the home and local developer, Newland Homes, is giving its wholehearted support.

Over the last two decades, the household waste recycling rate in England has increased significantly from just 11.2 per cent to almost 50 per cent but further progress is believed to be hampered by a lack of recycling infrastructure.

As part of their commitment as a sustainable developer, Newland Homes is introducing initiatives into their properties to make it easier for householders to recycle.

Integrated eco-bins will be provided in the kitchen of homes as standard, for easy sorting of recyclable materials and waste.

The developer is also providing ample space for the local Council's recycling containers to avoid bin blight and improve convenience to people living in the home.

Reuse and conservation of natural resources is encouraged as much as possible. Rainwater butts are provided to collect water for use in the garden and there are designated composter areas.

Dual flush toilets and water saving aerated taps, which use less water but maintain pressure, are included as standard in Newland Homes properties.

Jeremy Drew, design director at Newland Homes said: "Small ideas can make a big difference to everyday life, and considering them in the design of a home at the outset means it's easier for our buyers to make the right choice when it comes to reuse and recycling. We're doing our bit to facilitate a continued change in people's habits."

"All timber used in our homes is from certified sustainable sources. Also, the demolition material generated from clearing a site is crushed, re-used and recycled and we sort construction waste to maximise re-use on site where possible."

Solar panels have never been more efficient and this renewable power source is increasingly recognised as a crucial way of decarbonising energy use and saving money.

More of Newland Homes' developments are equipped with solar panels, such as Barbican Walk in Barnstaple, and developments coming up in Claverham, Churchill and Cricklade, generating renewable, sustainable and free electricity.

Newland Homes has also installed air source heat pumps on some of its sites as a means to avoid fossil fuel use, such as at Twyning Green in Twyning near Tewkesbury, and Rectory Gardens in Maisemore, and they continue to explore the use of this and other low carbon products.

Jeremy added: "We feel we have a responsibility to conserve resources for future generations and we strive to give our homeowners the tools to embrace and engage in sustainable living."

For further information about Newland Homes please visit www.newlandhomes.co.uk or call 01452 623000.