Climate Action North and Reinvented with Friends join forces to boost eco-innovation in Sunderland
Two Sunderland-based social enterprises, Climate Action North and Reinvented with Friends, are working together to inspire the next generation of eco-entrepreneurs and tackle environmental challenges in the city.
Reinvented with Friends, founded by former teacher Ali Williams, helps people fix and reuse old furniture and homeware instead of throwing them away. Ali invited Climate Action North to collaborate on her new project, WasteNot, because they share the goal of acting on climate change.
It aligns with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which promotes sustainable resource use and waste reduction.
Ali said: “We show people the value in repurposing their things and cut down on waste through creative reuse. This fits perfectly with Climate Action North’s mission to inspire as many people as possible to take the necessary steps to fight the climate crisis.”
Thanks to new funding, the two organisations will offer 90-minute sessions for Key Stage 3 pupils in Sunderland. These sessions will teach students about eco-entrepreneurship and how to solve real-world environmental problems. The pupils will also take part in a Dragons’ Den-style competition to come up with solutions for sustainability challenges, encouraging creativity and new ideas.
This initiative is closely linked to Climate Action North’s Global Wilders® initiative, which helps schools learn about climate action by focusing on restoring nature and protecting biodiversity.
Climate Action North’s CEO, Sharon Lashley, said: “Global Wilders® is all about helping communities to make meaningful changes in the fight against the climate crisis. We’re excited to involve Sunderland’s schools in this initiative and empower them to make a real impact.”
A key event in this partnership will take place at Keel Square in Sunderland on 22 March, where local eco-entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses. Featured enterprises include Jennie Morris from Just Let Your Soul Grow, Sarah Ball of Delightfully Denim, Leon Garshog of LG Designs, Ruth Watson of Ecologic, and Katy Vigurs of Dead Good.
The event will also serve as a platform for collaboration between local schools, businesses, and the wider community, reinforcing Sunderland’s growing role in the eco-business sector.
Ali added: “The WasteNot project is a chance to highlight Sunderland’s role in eco-innovation and bring schools and businesses together to create a sustainable future. It’s important to recognise the talent and progress happening right here in Sunderland and how these efforts will shape our future.”
Both organisations are based at the Business Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland.
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