Press Release

September 2006 - Choose2Reuse consumer campaign launched

Shoppers are being encouraged to help the environment and their local community by buying their furniture from charitable retailers across East Anglia.

A new campaign 'Buy now, Donate later' begins this week aimed at enticing the public to buy at the region's 370 participating Reuse shops.

The initiative is the second phase of the Choose2Reuse campaign, a Defra-funded regional award-winning project.

Charity and furniture reuse shops from 44 charitable organisations across seven counties in the Anglia Region are taking part in helping promote the 'reuse' message by displaying campaign posters and handing out free advice leaflets.

The campaign strapline 'Buy Now Donate Later' is designed to persuade members of the public to buy for a good cause and while picking up an original item of quality and value.

The number of charity and furniture shops has increased as has the variety available from formal clothes to fancy dress and bridal wear to collectable ceramics, books, music, quality furniture and electrical appliances.

This Choose2Reuse campaign has many supporters including local authorities keen to see an end to quality, reusable items ending up in landfill.

Environment Minister Ian Pearson supported the campaign, saying:

“Choose2Reuse is an exciting project. Buying or donating good quality items can make a real difference and reduce waste that would normally go to landfill sites. Along with the other work that Defra is supporting through the Environmental Action Fund, this project will help to make people aware that they have sustainable lifestyle choices. I would urge everyone to support this campaign, which can help contribute to the goal of One Planet Living.”

Choose2Reuse Campaign Manager Nikki DiGiovanni said, “Reuse is a fantastic way to help the environment as it reduces the amount of new materials used. By choosing to reuse you get the ultimate in feel good shopping for you, your home or gifts and the knowledge that your money will be helping a good cause.”

	If you require any further information, please contact
	Contact	Telephone	Email
	Nikki DiGiovanni	01354 742300	nikki@ccorrn.org.uk

Fact file

1. Choose2Reuse was created by CCORRN in 2004 and it has already been acknowledged for environmental best practice by winning a Green Apple Award.

2. The Choose2Reuse campaign now in its second year of a three year Defra Environment Action Fund grant of £111,000. The campaign is being delivered by the Association of Charity Shops in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Essex Community Reuse and Recycling Network's (CCORRN & ECORRN)

3. The 7 counties covered by the campaign are Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Northamptonshire.

4. The launch of the campaign through the charity shops will commence the week beginning 2nd of October 2006.

5. Electronic copies of the promotional materials (poster and leaflet) are available from Nikki DiGiovanni, 01354 742300 or e-mail: nikki@ccorrn.org.uk

Photo opportunities

A regional launch is taking place at Burleigh Street, Cambridge 11am 9th of October 2006.

An interior room display entirely sourced from charity shops and furniture reuse shops will be exhibited outside in the pedestrianised area. The first 100 members of the public will receive 100 jute bags.