Green Capital / bristol 2015
Green Capital 2015: ReUse Network
Photo credit: Bristol ReUse Network (L to R): Aimee Campanella, Bristol Textile Recyclers, Nicci Peck, Sofa Project, Jane Stephenson, Resource Futures, Jacqui Reeves, FareShare South West
Recycle, reuse, upcycle – where once there was a snobbery about second-hand we have now embraced the concept of pre-loved and how it can help the environment.
A new organisation, Bristol ReUse, supported by Bristol 2015, has been formed to bring together organisations and individuals across the city who are involved in recycling.
is needed now More than ever
Set up in 2014 Bristol ReUse has used the Bristol 2015 grant money to form a larger umbrella organisation to push for more recycling in the city.
Development manager, Jessica Hodge, said the group is “very informal,” but “collectively you are stronger together, you can get more publicity and attention and bid for bigger contracts”.
“The more social enterprise and groups who work together the more we are a viable alternative to the mainstream,” she adds.
The group works with around 20 organisations including Bristol Wood Recycling Project and the newly formed Baby Bank Network which collects used baby clothes and other essentials to make up packages for families who would struggle to afford the basics.
The Local Government Association says households in England are throwing away £435m in repairable goods every year. Jessica says as Bristol Green Capital we have to show that there is a different way of doing things: “It’s vital that we reuse. Economic growth is not possible based on the current model. We have a finite number of resources and once they are gone they are gone.”
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