A NEW re-use shop has opened in Glastonbury.
Run by a group volunteers, around 50 people dropped in to the store – at the Red Brick Building – during an opening event on March 1.
The shop is being backed by Somerset Council and SUEZ recycling and recovery UK’s Waste Not Somerset Fund.
Donations from visitors included speakers, DVD players and gardening equipment.
The shop takes donations of items from the community and, where possible, fixes them to make them usable again. Household items are also available to buy at a reduced cost, with new stock added depending on donations received. The public are also welcome to donate pre-loved items for resale.
Funds from the sold items will be used to benefit other local groups and organisations invested in reducing waste and CO2.
The shop will initially be open weekly at the Red Brick Building on Fridays and Sundays, from 10am to noon, subject to volunteer availability.
A spokesperson for the re-use shop committee said: “We were so pleased to welcome many people from the community to support us on our launch day. It has taken a lot of dedication from the volunteers to set this up.
“We’re all passionate about reducing waste, saving money and supporting the circular economy and the re-use shop is a great example of this.
“We are grateful for all the support we have received from those involved, including the facilities manager at Red Brick Building and the RBB Board.”
Cllr Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council lead member for transport and waste, said: “Reducing waste and loving the things we own for longer is a great start towards a more sustainable future.
“We welcome these community initiatives which show that locals are committed to a sustainable Somerset.”
Lily Morton, senior community liaison manager at SUEZ, added: “This is a brilliant example of the groups we support in the community, coming together to achieve something great.
“Re-use is one of the best things we can implement and encourage to work towards a more circular economy.
“This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the passionate residents who provide their time and dedication to set up projects like the reuse shop.”
The Waste Not Somerset fund is managed by Somerset Community Foundation, a grant-making charity funding charities and facilitating local giving and philanthropy.
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Kirsty Campbell, senior programmes manager, said: “It’s been a privilege working with Glastonbury Repair Café on this project.
“They have shown such dedication and perseverance in getting the re-use shop up and running. The shop will be a great benefit to the local community, and also more widely to the environment by reducing waste and championing a circular economy.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how it grows in the coming months.”
The re-use shop is being supported by CAG Somerset, a not-for-profit organisation that provides free support to a thriving network of local Community Action Groups.
They provided one-to-one support to Glastonbury repair café, helping them to navigate the process of finding a venue and getting the project off the ground.
CAG Somerset is also funded by Somerset Council and its collections contractor SUEZ and is managed by Resource Futures.
Jinny Uppington, CAG Somerset lead, said: “CAG Somerset are thrilled to support the opening of the Glastonbury re-use shop, a space dedicated to helping people extend the life of items through repair and reuse.
“The shop is a testament to the commitment of local people to encourage sustainable living and reduce waste, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have. Please go and visit them to find out more ways you can support reuse locally.”
The re-use shop committee are looking for volunteers. To find out more email Laura via lb.hpc3@gmail.com.
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