The Reuse Network Social Impact Report 2021 published today (Friday 28 January 2022) reveals a 60% drop in the total number of items reused by reuse charities and social enterprises in the UK as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report comes as the national representative for reuse charities and social enterprises across the UK outlines a new 5-year strategy for the organisation which it hopes will address the changing needs of the reuse sector.
The Reuse Network supports reuse charities across the UK to create ‘a society where everyone can create a sustainable home’. The charity aims to divert millions of useable household items from ending up as waste, and into ‘vulnerable people’s houses by working with its members, the public and commercial partners to build meaningful connections’.
The ongoing challenges faced by the sector following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and our members response to these are a tribute to the sector’s resilience and dedication in supporting communities across the country
The Social Impact Report 2021 shows that between April 2020 and March 2021, just 1.5 million items were reused, down from 3.4 million items the year before. This decline has then had an impact on the number of households helped thanks to reused items which drops from 1.5 million in 2020, to 652,098 in 2021.
Despite the continued efforts of reuse charities across the country, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was far-reaching and put a strain on the environmental savings created by the reuse sector each year. In 2021 the reuse sector prevented 50,574 tonnes of products from going to landfill, down from 111,664 tonnes in 2020. In addition to this, 54,355 tonnes of CO2 emissions were saved in 2021, down from 123,236 tonnes in 2020.
Responding to crisis
However, the latest report from the national body demonstrates how the reuse sector stepped in and responded to crisis in a year defined by a global pandemic, which saw increased pressure on those most marginalised in local communities across the country.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic reuse charities provided a vital lifeline for people in crisis, supplying much needed household furniture, electrical goods, food and other essential items.
“The ongoing challenges faced by the sector following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and our members response to these are a tribute to the sector’s resilience and dedication in supporting communities across the country.” says Craig Anderson, CEO of Reuse Network.
The government-imposed lockdowns resulted in many reuse charities and social enterprises having to close doors and furlough staff. Undeterred, the reuse sector adapted to support the needs of those in local communities facing hardship.
Many reuse charities and social enterprises created new services and offerings for individuals including food banks, the supply of PPE, befriending services and much more.
“The reuse sector demonstrated such resilience, and when faced with a complex and developing crisis, managed to not only sustain its services, but diversify to provide a growing array of services to support those in need.”, says Craig Anderson.
A new strategy
The Reuse Network continues its ‘determined’ course to make reuse an ‘implicit behaviour’ and has formed a 5-year strategy which is based on a new vision and mission for the charity.
Craig Anderson says: “As a network, we review the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Our new strategic plan is to respond to the growing urgency to address social exclusion and poverty, skills and jobs, and climate change and the emerging circular economy.
“Our strategy therefore focuses centrally on our newly adopted vision and mission; for a society where everyone can create a sustainable home, by supporting the reuse of products by UK charities and social enterprises who are established to alleviate social exclusion, and address climate change.”
“As we move forward into the new year, the reuse sector is ready for the spotlight to be shone on us and to step into the limelight as reuse grows in importance, no longer only considered ‘a good thing to do’ but a necessity in creating a fairer and more sustainable world.”
