Bra recycling: Darlington and York events
The BAG IT UP Bra Campaign for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance was launched in Autumn 2006, to find 200,000 unwanted bras from around Yorkshire. All ladies have had bras that don't fit, that are uncomfortable or that are just unloved! Many of these bras are thrown away with the household waste, destined for landfill. Bras are worth more to the charity than our mixed clothing grade, but because they are so small and lightweight, it is hard to find enough bras to meet the bulk demand from overseas markets, particularly West Africa.
200,000 bras would guarantee a minimum sum of £10,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance!
The quirky campaign which was first launched with the Yorkshire Federations of Women's Institutes, has attracted supporters from all over Yorkshire, and of all age groups, including the Lions International District Club 105c, businesses, schools, colleges, community groups, social clubs... the list goes on.

Shoe Recycling: All markets
It is a unique recycling scheme for worn out, outgrown or just unwanted shoes.
Set up by The European Recycling Company Limited, the scheme has now been operating successfully for over thirteen years and is expanding across the UK.

Background
The materials used in making shoes are not normally biodegradable and our rubbish dumps are rapidly running out of space. When incinerated they can release harmful dioxins.

Shoes can be deposited in the specially designed collection units at the Big Green Markets.

Shoes that can be reconditioned and reused are sold to companies and individuals in developing countries, who repair and refurbish the shoes and then sell them on at affordable prices to those who otherwise would go without.

The scheme is self-funding, professionally organised and achieves very worthwhile objectives.

It provides a means of earning a living in countries where opportunities are sparse and the alternative is reliance on charity handouts; it is also creating employment opportunities in the UK; and importantly by recycling your shoes you are helping us support the Variety Club in their work to improve the lives of sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

The prime aim however, is to eliminate shoes ending up in rubbish dumps or being incinerated when there is still useful life in them. The benefit to the community is that precious landfill space is preserved and the environment protected.