GENDER & INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT
Bristol Wood Recycling Project
At Bristol Wood Recycling Project we seek to create a welcoming, safe and friendly environment for our staff, volunteers and customers. The sectors we work in, construction, woodworking and sustainability, are typically environments where women, gender minorities, LGBTQ+ people, neuro-diverse people, people of colour and people with disabilities have not always felt welcome.
As an organisation, we are committed to challenging patriarchal attitudes and structures that exist within the industries we are a part of. We want to create a workplace where women, trans and non-binary people feel welcome and able to take part. We recognise that there is more work to be done and we’re taking active steps to make our culture more welcoming and respectful.
We seek to have an open and diverse volunteer programme that reflects our community and is a place where anyone can learn new skills, meet new people and give back to our city and community. We also seek to organise our values and structures to prioritise the physical and mental wellbeing of our staff and volunteers. We believe that this is the key to creating a long-lasting environment of respect, dignity, and supportiveness, for and by all of us.
We’re a not‑for‑profit organisation. Any surplus we make is reinvested back into our organisation, our volunteers, and the wider community. We ensure volunteers are never out of pocket, support other local community projects, and give our volunteers, staff, and customers skills and a sense of community they may not find elsewhere.
Exclusion can happen for many reasons, including gender, gender expression, race, class, disability and sexuality. We aim to keep learning about how these experiences connect and to act on what we learn.
OUR STORY
For two decades, we've worked tirelessly to create a vibrant center for sustainability and reuse. Our self-sustaining model redirects waste wood from landfills, providing affordable, salvaged timber to the diverse communities of Bristol. Thanks to the support of the national Community Wood Recycling Project and our committed team of staff and volunteers we’ve rescued over seven thousand tons of wood since 2004, positively contributing to both the environment and our community.
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As a not-for-profit Social Enterprise without shareholders or dividends, the income we make from sales and collections are locked into the business so that we can better meet our objectives for people and planet. This means that after the bills are paid, we work principally to create an inclusive, resourceful community in which well-being is primary. Bristol provides a fertile social ecology for this sort of thing, and in 2011 we evolved into a Cooperative enabling greater agency and ownership for staff and volunteers alike, as well as working in solidarity with the global Cooperatives movement.
OUR PRODUCTS
At Bristol Wood Recycling Project, we are committed to offering sustainable, reclaimed wood products that are environmentally friendly and support a circular economy. Our dedication to providing products made from 100% reclaimed or sustainable wood materials ensures that each purchase contributes to the reduction of waste and the preservation of natural resources. Join us in our mission to promote a greener future by choosing us to make your wood products.
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Whether it's shelving & table tops made from reclaimed scaffolding boards or recycling units and bike stores made from pallets and marginal materials. Every piece is thoughtfully created, reflecting not only functionality but also our passion for imparting valuable skills our volunteers. Our focus on sustainability and craftsmanship is evident in each item we make. Come and celebrate creativity and skill development with us!