Our focus this Sustainability Focus Fortnight is on sustainable travel. Emissions from business mileage and commuting make up 4% of our overall carbon footprint, but we know individual colleagues’ choices can potentially make a significant difference to this carbon. We’ve been sharing their stories throughout the fortnight.
This example from Sanctuary Students highlights not only a recycling opportunity we might otherwise miss, but provides funds for charity, and makes a number of repaired and refurbished bikes available at affordable prices.
Every summer, students leave tonnes of personal belongings behind when they move out of halls. Preventing all of these items from going to landfill is an ongoing challenge and Sanctuary Students try to recycle as much as possible. This summer, Lilian Knowles House in London had a clear out of bikes left behind in the bike store and donated 28 bikes to the Sue Ryder charity.
Sue Ryder is a British palliative, neurological and bereavement support charity that supports people through the most difficult times of their lives, whether that's a terminal illness, a bereavement or a neurological condition. Through their Bicycle Workshop, which provides training and work experience to prison inmates, bicycles are repaired and serviced ready for use.
Once given a new lease of life, the bikes will be sold at Sue Ryder shops around the country. A helpful reminder that if you fancy starting to cycle to work, your local charity shop could be a good way to get a low-cost bike.
