Refurbiz

I first became involved with Refurbiz nearly three years ago, when I was approached with the idea of becoming a Trustee. I had heard of Refurbiz and understood them to be a local charity who recycled washing machines but I had not really had any contact with them.

During my initial contact with Refurbiz I began to realise that they did so much more than I had imagined. Not only did they reclaim, refurbish and recycle washing machines, fridges, cookers, in fact all white goods, but they then sold them on at very affordable prices to families and individuals that normally would not be able to own such appliances. This alone would have been reason enough to join them but it was only when I thought more about the ‘whole picture' it became apparent that by supplying these people with these appliances we were giving them lifestyle choices. Those who we have given washing machines could now choose to utilise re-usable nappies, and therefore reduce the number of disposable nappies that were being taken to landfill. Those with a refurbished fridge would now have the option to buy and store fresh, local and possibly organic fruit and vegetables for their families, and those with one of our cookers could now provide their children with a nutritious home-cooked meal rather than take another trip to the takeaway.

There was also the attraction of the other different elements of the charity that I felt were so worthy of support. We have paid members of staff but also rely on the support of volunteers, especially those who would otherwise find it difficult to obtain work or training. We have volunteers who come to us from a local charity that supports those with learning difficulties, and we have helped their users to develop a greater sense of social independence and communication skills, build up personal confidence and have an increased sense of self-worth.

Refurbiz ‘ticks many boxes': we are ensuring that white goods within Wiltshire do not end up in landfill, and we are therefore reducing the amount of energy being used to create new goods. We are giving choices to all families in Wiltshire whether in choosing to purchase refurbished white goods on ethical grounds or by price, we are employing many volunteers and retraining many people that may have found it difficult to obtain employment.

Catherine Brown
Trustee
www.refurbiz.org

photos (c) Refurbiz 2009

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