Here’s how you can get involved with UEA student recycling scheme: ‘Don’t Be A Wasteman’
“Help other people and help save the planet”
Launched in 2017, the UEA student run recycling initiative, Don't be a Wasteman, works to prevent unwanted items from students going to landfill. Many students don't have cars and it can therefore be a lot of effort to lug unwanted belongings to charity shops. Don't Be a Wasteman offers a solution as they can collect things from your home or from a designated drop-off point to prevent them going to to landfill.
The scheme is running in Norwich from 10th June until 10th July, and the majority of the goods collected are donated to Care4Calais, a "volunteer run charity delivering essential aid and support to refugees living in the worst conditions across Northern France and Belgium." Other donations will be sold on Depop to raise money for the hiring of a collection van and feed volunteers, whilst the money raised from on-campus sales will go into supporting UEA's international student community.
In a Facebook video for the scheme, UEA SU Non-Portfolio Officer Rob Klim notes: "These donations can be reused in a circular economy to help other people and help save the planet." All you have to do is decide what you don't want anymore, drop them a message on their Facebook page, and arrange a collection time!
They accept:
Crockery, cutlery, pots & pans, electronics, clothing, shoes, bags, CDs & DVDs, jewelry, bric-a-brac, soft furnishings, towels , books, stationery, bedding including duvets & pillows, non-perishable food, clean worn fabrics for ragging. However, they recommend you chat to them first about larger items.
Don't Be A Wasteman is also in need of volunteers to host drop-off points and sort through the donations and organise them. Even if you gave just a few hours of your time to Don't Be A Wasteman your actions would have a positive impact. To arrange collection or to offer some voluntary work, you can message the Don't Be A Wasteman Facebook page. If you want to donate money towards the cause you can access the donation page here.