Waste management specialist backs new education programme

Metal recycling and waste management specialist Ward Recycling has given its backing to an education programme run by Down to Earth aimed at changing mindsets around waste.

The firm has donated £10,000 to the Community Interest Company, which aims to reconnect people to nature to create radical change.

Brainchild of Derby-born Jamie Quince-Starkey, Down to Earth aims to be nature-based regeneration pioneers, with an aspiration to one day build an urban Eden Project in Derby city centre.

The flagship project from Down to Earth is Electric Daisy, a community garden and event space in Derby city centre.

The team took over a disused and dilapidated wasteland and have turned it into an award-winning space, which now hosts a year-round programme of events, acting as a community hub, a party spot and a haven for nature.

Ward has supported Down to Earth’s work to date with the donation of £10,000 and in-kind assistance.

This has helped fund the design of the ‘Waste to Wonder’ project, an education programme designed to support schools with climate action plans, help students learn STEM and digital skills, plus support young adults at risk of permanent exclusion.

Jamie said: “We work with creatives, businesses, councils and educators to build exciting hubs for all to enjoy and learn about regen and feel the benefits of nature.

“We have big ambitions to change the world from our space in little old Derby.

“The Waste to Wonder programme is really about changing the mindset of waste from both an education and enterprise space, so people see waste as an opportunity, so it’s been brilliant to link up with Ward.

“Support from like-minded local businesses, such as Ward, is essential for us to succeed on our mission to rollout sustainable, nature-based regeneration programmes that benefit the wider community and help support a circular economy.”

The support from Ward has helped with resources to design the programme, provide capacity to develop the business plan and build credibility, enabling the team to secure backing from other local businesses.

Operations director Donald Ward said: “It’s fantastic to see nature-based regeneration in action from the team at Down to Earth.

“Electric Daisy has transformed a wasteland in Derby into a thriving hub that gives local people a chance to engage with nature and enjoy a range of community focused events.

“The ambitious Waste to Wonder project introduces sustainability and the circular economy through a practical educational programme that can teach students new skills that can set them up for life and give them a new perspective about the potential from waste.”