Aston University’s scholar contributes money raised through recycling to Birmingham Children’s Hospital

Nasima Mulla, IT service desk assistant and Go Green champion at Aston University, has handed over a donation of £450 to Birmingham Children’s Hospital raised through recycling campaigns that she set up.

While working in the University library, Nasima became aware of the number of pens and markers that were being disposed of every day. After doing some research, she discovered that they could be collected and sent off to be recycled via TerraCycle’s BIC Writing Instrument Recycling Programme.

Nasima has also led the very successful crisp recycling programme, by setting up Aston University as a community collection point for crisp packets as part of the Walkers crisp packet recycling scheme. The activity collected 250 kg of crisp packets during the programme, which were also converted into donations to charities.

The University’s team of volunteer Go Green champions works all year round to improve sustainability. Together with the support of the environment and sustainability team, they also organise a series of events for staff, students and other members of the community each year during Go Green Week in March, which includes activities such as canal and neighbouring areas litter picks, bicycle maintenance workshops, clothes mending workshops and carbon literacy sessions.

Nasima said: “I am extremely pleased that we are not only encouraging our staff and students to recycle, but we are also making it easier for the local community and other local businesses to recycle as well.

“The crisp packet recycling scheme had a positive impact by diverting waste streams from improper disposal. It also benefited our staff and students by increasing their awareness of how often our food packaging is not recyclable. The pen recycling programme is now as successful as the crisp packaging scheme.”