University staff Choose2Reuse

Press release issued: 7 July 2008



Ian Leete E.C.O.R.R.N manager and Heather Coghlan - Community Development Administrator, with some of the donated items
Ian Leete E.C.O.R.R.N manager and Heather Coghlan - Community Development Administrator, with some of the donated items
Staff and students at Anglia Ruskin University's Chelmsford Campus gave a tremendous response to their Choose2Reuse Tuesday on 24th June. Three branded bins were placed in central locations around the campus for staff to bring in and leave their reusable items.

By the end of the day they were filled to the brim with a huge range of items, from cuddly toys, clothing and crockery, to buckets and spades. The items were then sorted, valued and distributed to Farleigh Hospice, Oxfam and Age Concern.

The items have an estimated resale value of £1254.60 which will go towards the charity campaigns, but Anglia Ruskin University is not stopping there - the bins have been kept on to collect items as the students vacate their halls of residence.
Farleigh Hospice Director of Shops Jonathan Stokes said:

"This is a fantastic event that has raised considerable support for hospice care in Essex. Our shops depend on quality donations to raise money for our services and we're delighted that Anglia Ruskin staff have donated so many excellent items."

'Choose2Reuse Tuesday' is part of the Anglia regional award winning Choose2Reuse campaign which receives support from Defra's Environmental Action Fund. It is run locally by the Essex Community Reuse and Recycling Network, one of the three founding members of the campaign.
E.C.O.R.R.N Manager Ian Leete said:

"We aim to raise awareness not only of the items charity shops can take, but also of their quality. We are delighted that university staff have responded so well and will be approaching other companies and organizations to challenge them to match this level of giving."

Added Anglia Ruskin University's Vice Chancellor Professor Michael Thorne:

"Our staff always go the extra mile to work with outside organisations, particularly when we are embarking on green events such as this.

"When there is charity involvement, there tends to be more support given than ever. The fact that the staff have extended the scheme so that they can encourage students leaving the halls of residence to choose to reuse is truly groundbreaking. It makes sound economic sense. Everyone needs to clear out items that are considered clutter every now and again and if people's unwanted items can be sold for other uses then the scheme helps everyone."

Bookmark this page with: