Local charity Emmaus North Staffs – which helps to save around 300 tonnes of waste each year – has been commended for its mission to help the environment.
The charity was awarded the Sustainability Award at the Potteries Centre Annual Awards – where its own large household store is situated on the ground floor.
In the last 12 months, staff at Emmaus North Staffs have also encouraged businesses based at the Potteries Centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, to donate unwanted goods and recycle waste.
John Webbe, Executive Lead at the charity, said: “We are really proud to receive the Sustainability Award from the Potteries Centre.
“Since moving into our new shop in May 2022, we have tried to encourage as many businesses to look at ways of reducing their own waste and it’s a real honour to be recognised with this award.”
To further add to Emmaus North Staffs’ commitment to helping the environment, the charity accepts quality, used furniture donations and white goods, which are recycled for continued use preventing the waste going into landfill.
“With collections and donations we receive approximately 300 tonnes of furniture, including household items and white goods,” adds John.
“If we didn’t welcome these donations they would most probably end up in local landfills and we help to prevent that waste from happening by reselling via our Home and Furniture Charity Emporium, in Etruria and Potteries Centre shop.
“We endeavour to continue to increase overall recycling rates to minimise impact on landfill sites.”
Amy Whittaker, Centre Manager at The Potteries Centre, said “We are thrilled to have hosted such a successful awards night in honour of all the amazing retailers we have at The Potteries Centre.
“Specifically, we are pleased to have awarded Emmaus North Staffs the Sustainability Award following all the great work they do in tackling furniture poverty, all while reducing waste and helping to save the planet.”
The commitment to sustainability does not stop there as the charity regularly runs recycling woodwork workshops for members of the community, which provide life and employment skills at the same time.
The Emmaus North Staffs Potteries Centre Shop is open to the public six days a week.
For details about volunteering opportunities and woodwork sessions call 01782 846111.
