The £1,000 grants will be used to help the groups take on projects that will help the environment and save money.
Some of the projects include investing in reusable coffee cups, repurposing clothing, building community gardens, and buying energy-efficient systems such as heat pumps.
The grants are part of Lewisham Council’s new Repair, Reuse, Recycle scheme.
One of the groups who received a grant is On The Hoof, a local café and bistro.
The Sydenham café will use the grant to invest in reusable coffee cups for customers, better washing facilities, and the development of a cup deposit scheme and incentives.
The full list of grant recipients is as follows: Make Mee Studio CIC, RMUK Wellbeing CIC, On The Hoof, Meal Deal Workshop, Lewisham Donation Hub, Buro London, Arbor, Telegraph Hill Centre, KHY Sewing School, hARTslane, Mont58 Coffee, Petit Village, Alice Burnhope Design, Latin Hub UK, Hot Knots, YUSSICO, Goyea Organics, Phoebe English, Ryan Hawaii, Corner New Cross, Maggie’s Café and Restaurant, Mimi’s Studio, and Winning Post Arts & Sports Services.
Councillor Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor of Lewisham and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action, said: “We are proud to be moving towards a more circular economy in Lewisham, one that helps us meet our climate and environmental goals while also prioritising better spending, so savings can be reinvested into other areas.
“Repairing, recycling, and reusing is not just about fixing day-to-day items but more broadly it is about improving the way we live, work and act, so we function as a more thoughtful, efficient and resilient community.”
Councillor Ese Erheriene, Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills said: “In Lewisham, we are committed to building an ambitious and inclusive local economy.
“To achieve this, we are encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices — we’re also unlocking a range of opportunities to help our businesses reach their potential.
“I am proud that our small business leaders and community groups are leading the way with Lewisham’s circular economy.
“These grants will provide a strong foundation for working towards practices that are more efficient and more environmentally conscious.”
