Zurich supports good causes throughout Covid-19
12/06/2020
The importance of ditching fast fashion, eating a plant-based diet and avoiding single-use plastics for more sustainable options, is possibly something we've all been carefully considering lately. However, neither the furniture or homewares industries have been as significantly impacted by the sustainability movement, to such a degree.
Recent research carried out by firm Collecteco, which helps other companies donate furniture, equipment and office materials to not-for-profit businesses - has highlighted a huge issue. It revealed that an average of 22 million pieces of furniture are discarded per year in the UK, most of which goes straight to landfill.
Zurich is prioritising a circular economy approach, aimed at reducing the amount of waste the business produces and the continual use of resources, but which also delivers social value. In partnership with Collecteco, we’ve donated ‘pre-loved’ and quality office furniture to 28 good causes - saving 88,580kg of waste from landfill sites and stopping the creation of over 83,560 kgCO2(e). The in-kind funding figures are estimated at a staggering £415,515.
Louise Sheppard, UK Head of Workplace Services at Zurich said: “What’s ahead is very different from where we have been. Collectively our old behaviours won’t help us build a better tomorrow. We believe we can create a brighter future and have a positive impact in our role as insurer, investor, employer and in society. We want to be one of the most responsible businesses in the world.
£4bn losses due to the pandemic
Not only is Zurich’s approach better for the planet, but by reusing items rather than sending them to landfill, it is also positive for society by allowing good causes to access kit that they may otherwise of had to buy - or had to go without. The pandemic has caused a £4 billion loss of revenue to UK charities, with charity, school and NHS funding under immense pressure. The donation of furniture to these organisations, means they can concentrate their funds where they are needed the most.”
Alexander Ford, Sustainable Travel Plan Coordinator, NHS Trust Shrewsbury said: "Wow! What an exciting, challenging and exhausting 72 hours, I have had after securing a fantastic office furniture donation to The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. We have saved in excess of 500 items going to landfill and most likely saved over £60,000 in purchasing items. Thank you to Collecteco and Zurich for kindly donating these much needed items. They will help our NHS staff make a difference. So many smiles today after our last delivery of items. Thank you!"
22 million pieces of furniture discarded every year
Luke Redbond, UK Business Engagement & Sustainability Lead at Zurich, adds: “It's fair to say that life has become more difficult for everyone. Coronavirus has changed the world and we have all had to adapt to new ways of living and working. For many organisations, how we use our spaces will change as a result of the pandemic, with more people working from home than ever. So our work/living space has had to change too.
It’s worrying that 22 million pieces of furniture are being discarded on a yearly basis - if society is serious about reducing our impact on the environment, we need to act now. Simply reducing the amount of discarded furniture could save resources of course, but also our own money.”
Hear more from Luke on how Zurich are making our offices more sustainable and environmentally friendly below:
