Shanga, the self-sustaining social enterprise which employs people with disabilities to create unique, high-quality, handmade jewellery, glassware and home ware has won Minor’s prestigious ‘Best Sustainability Award’, underpinning its dedication to incorporating recycled materials.
At Shanga, all the glass is recycled from broken windows or wine and spirit bottles and the furnaces are powered by recycled vegetable cooking oil. Tailoring is cleverly designed using repurposed fabrics, a favourite being the delightful “mummy and baby” elephant cushions made from used men’s business shirts. The team can also turn customers old shirts into personalised cushions. In 2019, products made at Shanga saved an estimated 150 tons of waste going into landfill.
Ruth Willet, marketing and business development consultant at Shanga comments on the award, “The recognition from an award like this is validation for what we are doing and have achieved, and proves we are making a difference. The team was so proud to have all their hard work honoured especially after such a difficult year”. For more information on Shanga visit https://www.shanga.org