Living a on a budget without creating waste will be the theme of an upcoming event by Potterne Springs Women’s Institute.

Jen Gale, a mother of two young children, will be speaking about her family’s ‘make do and mend year,’ in which they bought nothing new, instead chosing vintage gear or re-using their own things.

Sarah Lammin will pass on her penny-pinching tips, from making your own toiletries to using up food leftovers in the fridge. She already writes a blog on the topic, called Everyday Life on a Shoestring.

Emma Croft, waste minimisation officer at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, will speak about protecting the environment and sustainable living.

Following the short talks there will be some practical, hands-on activities and demonstrations to involve everyone.

These include fun tasks like 101 uses for an old pair of jeans and how to make home-made toiletries.

There will also be a ‘give and take table’ where people can bring along any unwanted items and swap for something else. Items should be in good, clean condition and could be clothes, books, CDs, DVDs, bric a brac, toys and homeware.

The event is free and is open to non-members, including men.

It is on Monday at Wiltshire Scout Centre, Potterne Wick, from 8pm to 10pm.

For details, call Sue Groffman on 07837 110874.