New release Ernie collection
Monday July 5 2010
The streets are cleaner and a Southampton charity is celebrating its largest single textile donation thanks to green-minded students and Solent University’s own enviro-champ – Ernie, the Eco Float.
The University’s innovative project – supported by Solent’s Students’ Union, Southampton City Council and Bag It Up (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance) – was launched last year to help combat the mounds of waste left behind by students moving out of their rented accommodation in the heavily student-populated Polygon area.
Now even keener and greener - and fresh from scooping a top government award - Ernie and a team of volunteers have spent the last fortnight collecting unwanted items from students moving out of their rented accommodation at the end of the academic year.
Polygon resident and Ernie volunteer, Pat Middlewick, says: “Student changeover used to be a misery for residents but it’s turning into an enjoyable community event.”
Solent University’s Community Liaison Officer, Melissa Reddington-Cartmell adds: “Everyone benefits from this innovative scheme. The streets are cleaner, charities get much needed donations and the environment benefits from the reduction of landfill waste.”
As well as doing his bit for the residents and the environment, Eco Ernie – who helped Southampton City Council win the Local Government Chronicle Award for Community Involvement earlier this year – has more than trebled last years’ one tonne textile total for Bag It Up (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance).
Bag It Up’s Danielle Mugridge says:"This year has proven to be even more successful than last years’ amazing effort - we are very proud to be part of this innovative scheme. It’s is a fantastic way of involving students in the local community and helping raise funds for the life saving work of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.”
As well as textiles, Ernie has collected more than 40 working televisions, and other small electrical items including microwaves, kettles, heaters, and toasters. Some of the more weird and wonderful finds include a treadmill, dolls house, pair of binoculars, a dry suit and Mr Potato Head - with both eyes intact!
Local residents, University staff, students, council workers, and clergy sorted through the recyclables at Devonshire Central Baptist Church, on Thursday 1 July before being picked up by local charities.
The remainder of the items were sold on to new students moving into the area and local residents, raising more than £200 for further community projects.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE PRESS OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040