Leeds Metropolitan University art student Bess Martin (pictured above) is passionate about the environment and keeping her local area tidy. Over the summer, she started The Litter Project, which focuses on reducing litter and encouraging recycling in Leeds.

To promote the project, second-year art student  Bess has created an art installation made from litter collected in the city and it's currently on display in Leeds University. Bess spoke to Love Where You Live about the project and why she got involved.

"As with most Cities, Leeds has a bit of a litter problem. I walk through WoodHouse Moor most evenings and see people relaxed and having a good time enjoying the park, but then in the mornings it's covered in plastic bottles, carrier bags, glass bottles and food packaging.

"I decided to do something to encourage people to either take their litter home or put it in the nearest waste bin or recycling point rather than leave it behind on the field. I thought it would be a good idea to create an installation to show the amount of litter dropped and raise awareness of how to recycle locally and reduce waste.

"Leeds Council pick up all the litter from the park by 10am every morning. It is very good of them to do so, but it costs thousands of pounds every year - an avoidable cost. Once they've picked it up it all goes to landfill. This is also a big shame as the majority is recyclable and can be put back to use, not just saving money but reducing emissions too.

"The rubbish gets cleared away before anyone can see just how much there is. I wanted to do something to highlight the amount of rubbish and also to raise awareness of the fantastic recycling facilities in place in Leeds and to encourage people to dispose of their waste in a better way.

"Over the summer, I spoke to a member of the council who put me in touch with Leeds University Union and Leeds Met University Union. I collected litter over freshers' week to spread the word about the project. Once collected and cleaned, myself and four volunteers, Malu, Aleena, Aurelie and Louise, assembled the litter into four sculptures. These now act as a visual display of the amount of litter dropped.

"The sculptures are currently on display in Leeds University Union, with facts and figures about litter in Leeds and the UK. We hope to keep the sculptures in Leeds University Union for a week or so before they move to Leeds Met University Union.

"This is an exciting project and I am so pleased that people are taking such an interest. In a small way, I hope that The Litter Project will play a role in helping to reduce litter and encourage more recycling in Leeds."

Read more about The Litter Project on Bess Martin's blog.

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