Share

Aladdin’s cave of good ideas

Since its formation in 2000 Aberdeen Forward has been on the move. Bulletin looks at how it has grown and the diversity of its projects.

Consumer experts normally advise that if something seems too good to be true then you should avoid it.

Aberdeen Forward does seem too good to be true – but it is an organisation most definitely worth embracing.

It can save money, entertain, educate and help the environment all at the same time.

Aberdeen Forward is approaching its 10th birthday having been set up by Shell, Forward Scotland and Aberdeen City Council with the primary aim of making use of the city’s landfill tax money by developing local waste projects.

In November 2000 Lynn Smith was appointed as the sole employee but over the past decade she has built the organisation up to a small team funding and supporting its own waste minimisation and sustainability projects.

It has around 80 volunteers working across Aberdeen city and shire on a range of different projects from administration, warehouse duties and driving as well as supporting the charity at local events.

Its main funding source is its creative waste exchange – the opportunity to enter an Aladdin’s cave of unwanted materials from companies and businesses around the North-east. The most surprising feature of the store on Poynernook Road is not the huge range of items from stationery and arts and craft materials to office furniture and plants but the quality of the goods.

Most of the items offered from the 400 companies and individuals who donate and purchase is in pristine condition but has to be of good quality “because we are picky” says Lynn, now chief executive of the organisation.

“There has to be control because we know people expect good quality.”

“In order to buy from the creative waste exchange you have to be a member - £10 for an individual and £30 as an organisation - and that gives access to all our stock at very low cost.

“We sell office chairs, desks and filing cabinets, all for £20 .

“We would really like to work more with SMEs because we feel there would be a great benefit if they knew about us in terms of being able to purchase high quality but low cost furniture and stationery.

“It would help the North-east economy and although their first motivation to buy from us might be price, by default there are environmental benefits.

“By purchasing from us they are avoiding the manufacturing process and they are also purchasing locally so there are huge carbon savings to be made. In addition the goods have not gone to landfill so there is a triple benefit.”

A range of spin off activities have been created out of the donated goods and Aberdeen Forward employs professional tutors to run extremely popular classes in sewing, upholstery, knitting and rag rugging as well as gardening and basic food growing.

“We are always open to new ideas,” said Lynne. “We want as many people through the door as possible to find the key which unlocks their good environmental behaviour and makes carbon savings. However we want people to have a good time and enjoy themselves doing it.”

Among the successful projects which Aberdeen Forward runs are:

Real Nappies

Since 2003 Aberdeen Forward has been promoting cloth nappies as opposed to disposables. Cloth nappies have come on since the days of scratchy plastic pants and big safety pins and are now all Velcro, poppers, bright colours and soft attractive fabrics. The social enterprise company also buys and sells second hand nappies and has “Nappuccinos” where real nappy converts or those interested in converting meet up for a coffee and a chat. Parents can also take part in a free two week real nappy trial to discover the financial and environmental benefits.

Transition Aberdeen

This initiative is to help communities in the city take positive steps to reduce their carbon footprint and dependency on oil. From food production and composting to community energy schemes and re-use workshops Transition Aberdeen will show how these small actions can have a positive effect on the local environment.

Eco-Challenge

Offers individuals the chance to reduce their carbon footprint and save money by following a step-by-step programme which covers three key themes - waste reduction, home energy reduction and sustainable transport- to help make lifestyle adjustments.

Master Composter

Raises awareness of the benefits of composting and encourages more people to home compost, as well as helping those already doing so to compost more effectively. The project runs in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire and provides advice and training to people through a pool of volunteers, who give up their time to train and educate the public on home composting through workshops that are regularly run at Aberdeen Forward.