FtSE Member News: Children’s Charity Barnardo’s Join With John Lewis in Recycling Initiative

This spring, Children’s charity Barnardo’s and retailer, John Lewis are encouraging communities of Scotland to take part in a mass spring clean and recycling campaign, to rid their wardrobes of unused, unworn and unloved items and recycle them through selected John Lewis stores.Between 21 March and 6 April 2014, pre-loved clothes can be donated to John Lewis in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.All profits from the donations received will fund Barnardo’s work in transforming the lives of children, young people and their families.

It is estimated that a third (around 350,000 tonnes) of all clothes bought in the UK end up in landfill, but if they were donated for reuse or recycling they could generate £140 million in revenue, a staggering amount of money and which the charity could put to very good use.

Extending the life of clothes by just three months of active use per item, would lead to a 5-10% reduction in each of the carbon, water and waste footprints, something we all need to take notice of.

Gerard Cousins, Director of Retail at the charity, said:

We’re really pleased to be partnering with John Lewis in this recycling initiative.It makes perfect sense to recycle unwanted clothes rather than throw them out. The clothes that are donated will be transferred to our stores across Scotland where they will sell or recycled to raise funds to transform the lives of the UK’s most disadvantaged children. And the figures speak for themselves in terms of the positive impact recycling has on the environment.

Of course that also means donors can then replenish their wardrobe with all the great new stock in John Lewis– it’s a win, win situation."

Barnardo’s would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donates and shops in our stores. Money raised in our shops helps fund services which support children and young people across the UK.

Visit Barnardo’s Scotland to find out how you can get involved and show you believe in children.

Source:
http://www.barnardos.org.uk/news/Children8217s_charity_Barnardo8217s_join_with_John_Lewis_in_recycling_initiative/latest-news.htm?ref=96379

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