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Sunday 7 September

 


M&S joins Oxfam for recycling scheme

M&S and Oxfam: Stuart Rose, Barbara Stocking

Marks & Spencer and Oxfam have launched Britain's biggest ever clothes recycling scheme.

The M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange was announced on the first anniversary of Marks and Spencer's innovative Plan A scheme, which aims to raise and promote environmental awareness, and eventually make the high street store carbon neutral. By encouraging recycling, the initiative aims to not only raise funds for Oxfam, but also reduce the amount of unwanted clothing that ends up in landfills. The UK currently throws away 1 million tons of clothing every year.

As an incentive for prospective recyclers, anyone who donates M&S clothing to Oxfam will receive a £5 Marks & Spencer voucher, which can be used on purchases over £35 on any fashion, homewares or beauty products.

The scheme is due to be trialed for six months, and will start on 28January, with all of Oxfam's 709 stores taking part.

Barbara Stocking, Director of Oxfam, commented on the groundbreaking initiative, 'Recycling and reusing clothes - and anything else we can sell - has always been central to Oxfam's fundraising, as well as being good for the environment. Through our unique textile sorting facility and the resourcefulness and skills of our specialist staff, Oxfam is able to make the most from all the clothes we receive. People’s unwanted clothes really will raise much-needed money to help people living in poverty.'

M&S Chief Executive, Sir Stuart Rose added, 'It’s a triple win - it’s good for customers, good for people in developing countries and good for the environment.'

Wednesday 16 January 2008

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• Oxfam’s partners are those people, communities & businesses building an economically better & sustained living in countries where flooding, civil war etc have devastated livelihoods.Why is Oxfam trading with a business that financially & morally supports a government which is subjecting its people to the very poverty & hardship that Oxfam works so hard to alleviate? If M&S are so committed to recycling why are they encouraging further purchases by issuing vouchers? This is not recycling & re-using its actively encouraging further consuming?

Comment by nicola on January 21 16:24

It's a good idea, especially for those like me whose wardrobes need a detox due to weight gain!
Comment by Annette on January 17 15:14

I think its a brilliant idea and will definitely encourage me to recycle more clothes through Oxfam. what a great partnership!
Comment by Sarah Smith on January 16 17:11

Since M&S clothes last so well, I'm sure the scheme will generate an interest in recycling. It's a fantastic idea to give £5 vouchers - people do need a nudge in the right direction sometimes!
Comment by Sharon on January 16 09:43

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