A CAMPAIGN has been launched urging people to recycle their home furniture to help the environment.

London Furniture Reuse Network (London FRN) is attempting to persuade people to hand over their unwanted furniture to mark London Sustainability Week, which runs from June 10 to June 17.

The campaign hopes to reduce climate change by diverting furniture intended for landfill dumping, while also helping thousands of families in need.

It comes after the Government's Waste Strategy 2007, released on May 24, which says five per cent of household waste is wood or furniture.

The strategy also estimates only seven per cent of furniture and appliances are diverted from landfill and donated to reuse charities.

London FRN, a charity dedicated to supporting recycling projects, says the amount of furniture and appliances sent to landfill by Londoners annually would fill a space which could house 6,000 double decker buses.

Residents can also get rid of washing machines, cookers and fridges as part of the campaign.

To highlight the initiative, London FRN has commissioned UKTV television presenter and interior designer Oliver Heath to create structural art, built from used furniture.

The structure he created is meant to demonstrate one person's unwanted furniture is another's "dream come true".

It will be available for public viewing and will be displayed at Crispin Place, off Brushfield Street, east London, on June 13.

Last year, London FRN collected more than 73,000 items of furniture to give to families in need in the capital.

The network says if these items were laid end to end they would almost stretch from Lewisham to Brighton.

People in Lewisham can call Respond Thamesmead, on 020 8316 1099 or visit respondbank.co.uk for pickups.