Bristol has a novel approach to tackling e-waste and consumerism – restore old electronics and give them away
In an effort to reduce e-waste as well as consumerism, lamps and keyboards are among the items being given away in Bristol.
From today – and for the next ten days – the city’s Electric Avenue pop-up storeThe good people of Bristol will give away electrical items. All items have been thoroughly cleaned, repaired and safety tested before being diverted from landfills and recycling centres.
The Bristol Waste Company and environmental charity Hubbub are running the pilot project. They have been taking an old milk float around collecting unwanted items. The aim is to show people that secondhand electronics still have value, while highlighting the ecological impact of e-waste – one of the world’s fastest growing and most toxic waste streams.
Gavin Ellis, Hubbub co-founder, said: “Whilst it’s easy to be lured by Black Friday deals, our electrifying new pop-up shop aims to challenge the need to buy brand new, and shines a spotlight on the value of electrical items that are often disposed of when they’re no longer needed.
“Many of us have unused electronics gathering dust in their home and we’re keen to show that these items can go on to have another life, bringing joy to another household without the environmental or financial cost.”
Pop-up patrons are encouraged not to buy any more electrical items and encouraged to donate them. Anyone who does will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 voucher for the city’s Reuse ShopPre-loved Items, such as furniture and bikes, are sold by.
These are just a few of the electrical items that people have donated. Image: Bristol Waste Company
“It’s time to turn Black Friday, green,” said Gwen Frost from Bristol Waste. “Choosing pre-loved items isn’t just good for your pocket, it’s good for the environment too, saving valuable resources from being chucked away.”
Electric Avenue is located at The Galleries, Bristol until 5 December. For more information about how to repair things in Bristol, contact Share Bristol.
Main image: Bristol Waste Company
