Students and Staff Encouraged to Donate Empty Bottles and Cans 

"Providing a dedicated recycling bin for beverage cans encourages people to actively participate in sustainable practices, creating a shared commitment to reducing waste," says Lasantha De Silva, Head of Operations, about Wittenborg's recent collaboration with 'Voedselbank' (Food Bank) Apeldoorn. 

Students and staff may have noticed that Wittenborg has installed large, orange collection bins at its campus in Apeldoorn, its Spoorstraat study location and student housing locations in Ruyterstraat 5 and Ruyterstraat 3. The aim is to encourage students and staff to donate bottles and cans. The bins will be emptied once every two weeks, and the officers at the food bank will use the deposit money to buy food items distributed weekly to those less fortunate. 

De Silva explained how this collaboration came about, saying, "The Food Bank Apeldoorn took the initiative to install these bins in public places such as sports clubs. I first saw it at my cricket club. The moment they approached us, I was in favour of assisting." 

He emphasised that this way, Wittenborg increases its impact on the local community, something that the business school takes very seriously. "Collectively, we participate in the good deed of feeding the less fortunate in society," De Silva explains. "The fact that we can be a part of this cause, even with just a few cents from the deposit held by the vendors on the beverage cans and bottles, can be a considerable amount when multiplied. This way, the whole society contributes to uplifting the less fortunate."

As an educational institute, it is of utmost importance that Wittenborg instils values in our community in all ways possible.

"This initiative not only supports the environment but also has a direct positive impact on the lives of those who are less fortunate, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate community. It also helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, conserve natural resources and decrease pollution."

On its website, the food bank in Apeldoorn states that more than seventy enthusiastic volunteers work at the food bank every week to put a healthy meal on the table for around 650 Apeldoorn residents. These volunteers work as drivers, in the warehouse, on the shop floor or in administration.

The food bank also explains clearly how it works: "Many people in the Netherlands use the food bank. You can pick up food and sometimes other items there for free. This allows you to supplement your other groceries once a week. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. Everyone can get help from the food bank."

To find out more about the food bank, click here.

WUP 02/01/2024
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press