PRESS RELEASE  - FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Gateshead-based social enterprise that provides an ethical alternative to buying brand new fashion, yoga equipment, books and more celebrates Social Enterprise Day

A social enterprise in Gateshead which works towards creating a much more ethical and sustainable way to shop is raising awareness of social enterprise and the difference it makes. 

Social enterprises are businesses that work to achieve positive social or environmental impact. They are primarily motivated, designed and driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Like all businesses, social enterprises seek to deliver profit by trading in goods or services, but they reinvest or donate at least half of those profits to their social or environmental mission. 

Social Enterprise Day takes place on Thursday 17 November 2022 and is a global event celebrating the incredible contribution that social enterprises make to communities and the environment across the world. 

Green Heart Collective, which has been in Gateshead since December 2019, is a social enterprise which works with local businesses and individuals to rescue perfectly good clothes, yoga equipment, books and other items from landfill.

Commenting on what the day means to them, Andy Redfern, co-founder of Green Heart Collective said: 

“Social enterprises across the UK are changing lives and communities which is why Green Heart Collective is proud to celebrate and be part of Social Enterprise Day.

“We can’t accept business as usual and so we are building an unusual business. We reinvest our profits into our mission of diverting waste away from landfill. This isn’t about making money - it’s about making a difference.”

“£4 billion worth of unworn clothing is buried in UK wardrobes1 and yet as consumers we are always urged to buy more brand new items. Moving into 2023, Green Heart Collective will keep finding new homes for used goods, including giving to those who need it most, liaising with amazing organisations like Peace of Mind North East and Care4Calais.

“We are also developing an easy, convenient way for individuals to turn their unwanted clothing into rewards for themselves or for their chosen charity.”

Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, who run an annual campaign on Social Enterprise Day said: 

“Social Enterprise Day is a celebration of the great work social enterprises up and down the country are doing for the environment and communities.  

“Where we spend our money can make change happen, and with social enterprises, you can be sure that your purchase will make a real difference.” 

There are more than 100,000 social enterprises in the UK contributing an estimated £60bn annually to the economy and employing around two million people. 

To find more opportunities to buy from social enterprises, visit socialenterprise.org.uk.  

ENDS 

1.       (according to the latest WRAP report 2022)

Notes to editors:  

About Social Enterprise UK: Social Enterprise UK (SEUK) is the UK’s leading membership body for social enterprises. It leads the world’s largest network of businesses with a social or environmental purpose which together are helping to create a fairer economy and a more sustainable future for everyone. SEUK exists to be a strong voice for social enterprise, to evidence the difference that social enterprises are making and to demonstrate solutions and influence decision-makers to create an environment in which social enterprise can thrive. It works with mainstream businesses and public sector institutions to help them bring social enterprises into their supply chains. More information is available here: https://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/all-about-social-enterprise-uk/ 

Contact Green Heart Collective

info@greenheartcollective.uk

Find out more about Green Heart Collective as a certified social enterprise. 

FULL ASSETS AND PHOTOS HERE: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10UAd1UTTt4-dvh2mCdf6Ryk8sRkkUEsf?usp=share_link

Read Three of our Best Articles on Sustainable Living

Read More: 10 Reasons to Buy Preloved

Click to read more:  How Many Clothes The Average Adult Has in Their Wardrobes

Read More: Great Alternatives to Depop, Vinted and eBay for Selling Preloved Clothes