Double use for duvets
Each summer, the duvets that have been used during the year in the University's Halls of Residence are replaced. Traditionally these have ended up in landfill which is costly as well as a waste of useful resources. So, this last summer we worked with a local charity to reuse the duvets.
The bedding was collected by The Arches Project in Lenton, which provides support, both practical and physical, to people trying to set up a home after difficult circumstances, such as rehousing due to domestic abuse. Having collected the duvets free of charge, the locally-based charity then redistributes them from their resource centre.
Since the scheme began in June 2012, we have diverted a total of 2,920 duvets and pillows from landfill, saving the University over £600. Not only does this scheme help to reduce our environmental impact and save the University money, it also benefits the local community – a definite win-win situation.
Work is currently underway to explore more reuse options for some of the many items that the University no longer has a need for.