Ethical Clearance Company Launches 'Challenge100' for Global Communities
After a record year for the ethical clearance company, Waste to Wonder has launched a new ambitious goal to be known as Challenge100, with the aim of sending 100 School in a Box containers to global schools and charities in disadvantaged communities by the end of 2021. The contents of these containers will have a value over £2.5 million of reusable furniture and equipment.
During 2020, Waste to Wonder was able to redistribute 47 School in a Box containers filled with over £1.25 million worth of donated furniture and equipment through its international School in a Box programme. This is from achieving an average 90% reuse rate from all the ethical clearance projects they undertake.
Michael Amos, Director of Waste to Wonder, said “We’ve set Challenge100 to push ourselves even further and build on the results of 2020. By diverting reusable redundant furniture that would otherwise end up in either landfill or simply be recycled, we have supported 900 schools in 19 countries around the world.
“If we achieve our goal, Challenge100 would see over double the amount of shipping containers donated to numerous global charities this year. The beneficial impact of this success, both on the communities in need and on the environment, will be substantial.”
By donating to variety of causes – from vocational training centers to local schools – invaluable items such as desks and chairs have enjoyed a second chance enhancing the lives of young people in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Daniel Hristea, from FAST Romania, said “We are very excited to hear about Challenge100 as we have proudly worked with Waste to Wonder for over 10 years. In that time, we’ve fully equipped schools which previously had old, broken or dangerous equipment. We’ve also recently been able to set up a social enterprise to train our young people so that they can get a job and provide for themselves.
“The pandemic has been hard for us as we haven’t had any volunteers. However, through the support from Waste to Wonder and their customers we have been able to keep going through the pandemic. We have relied on their shipments to repurpose the equipment, survive as a charity and continue training people to be able to provide for their families. We are excited to see how Challenge100 unfolds and seeing what other good it can achieve.”
Through Waste to Wonder’s ethical clearance process, large businesses regularly save tens of thousands in disposal or recycling costs, as well as actively demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility. As part of the Waste to Wonder service, they receive a project report detailing the legacy and positive impact they’ve made.
Nick Shann, Managing Director of Wagstaff Interiors Group, said “We're delighted to learn that Waste to Wonder are launching Challenge100 with such an ambitious target. As a UK leading commercial office design and fit-out company, one of the key services we offer our clients is managing their unwanted furniture in a sustainable way. We champion reuse and recycling to avoid landfill, so the Waste to Wonder process is a perfect solution for us.
“Since 2009, Wagstaff has contributed to approximately 25 School in a Box shipments in 12 countries. Each shipment contains an estimated 16 tonnes of equipment, so over 400 tonnes has been redistributed from Wagstaff clients. We've even travelled to a recipient charity to witness first-hand the profound legacy of these clearance projects. We look forward to continuing working with Waste to Wonder and seeing the impact of Challenge100 unfold."
This year Waste to Wonder will also be utilising new and innovative software. This new software will accurately track and trace redistribution to domestic charities which allows for more comprehensive data reporting back to its customers. Along with the international data Waste to Wonder looks forward to being able to share its successes in full at end of 2021.
Waste to Wonder is an ethical clearance organisation that partners with businesses to clear and redistribute their redundant office furniture and equipment to worthy causes in the UK and around the world. If you have a clearance project you’d like to discuss, from 10 to 10,000 workstations, please visit wastetowonder.com to get in touch.
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