Ernie shortlisted for National Recycling Award 2011
Tuesday 3 May 2011
Eco-Ernie, Southampton Solent University’s award winning recycling milk-float, has been shortlisted for the 2011 National Recycling Awards.
Founded two years ago, the University’s eco-float is one of seven projects short listed in the ‘Best Partnership Project for Recycling’ category. He will be battling against some big names, including projects run by Marks & Spencer, Veolia Waste Management, Coca-Cola and Waitrose.
Eco-Ernie was started as an innovative recycling project aimed at keeping the Polygon tidy during the annual changeover period, when students move out of and into rented houses at the end of the academic year.
Working with Southampton City Council, the University’s Students’ Union and a number of local charities, Eco-Ernie collects unwanted goods from residential areas. Students, staff, council employees and members of the community volunteer their time to help drive the milk-float and sort through the donations, providing charities including Hampshire Fire and Rescue and Bag It Up (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance) with annual donations that make a significant impact.
Louise Drake, Eco-Ernie Coordinator and co-founder of the project said: “It’s great to see such a local project receive so much national recognition for the impact it’s had on the local community.
“What has been achieved with little resource and the support from our local community, charities, students and the University is what’s made this project such a success. Our project stands out because of the strength of the partnerships we’ve created in the community.”
As part of the overall award other volunteer community initiatives such as Enviro-Champs were also recognised as part of the partnership approach.
Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “This initiative has had a great impact on the Polygon area. It is a prime example of what can be achieved by people working together across the city to keep our streets clean.”
The National Recycling Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 14 July 2011. There are 15 categories with judges heralding this years entries the toughest and most competitive yet.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040