WHAT DO WE DO?
WHAT DO WE DO?
WHO WE ARE:
HOW IT ALL BEGAN!
The idea for Plastic Shed was inspired by two brilliant projects called Precious Plastic and Men Sheds. Plastic Shed's founder, Rachel, was keen to establish a project that would allow people to build solidarity and empathy with their neighbours, something that would bring different people together and provide an opportunity to work together on something meaningful.
Research shows that plastic waste is an issue that concerns over 80% of Brits. It's an issue that crosses social, political and economic divides and unites us. In a time where we can feel so isolated and divided, Plastic Shed was founded to bring people from all walks of life together with a shared purpose.
With support from the Year Here Social Innovation Programme, Rachel set up Plastic Shed as a social enterprise and worked with Year Here Fellow, Freya to test workshop ideas.
Using the Precious Plastic community map Rachel put a call out in Manchester to find others who were keen to set up a plastic recycling workshop for the community. Very soon she was in touch with Caitlin and Camilla!
Throughout 2019 the Plastic Shed team held workshops and collected plastic all across Stockport, from the Central Library and Signpost for Carers to the Plant Shop and Tandem Cafè, growing the Plastic Shed community day-by-day. In 2020 Stockport Council offered them an empty shop unit in the Merseyway Shopping Centre to share with the social enterprise Easy Peel Studio. This is where you can find us today!
THE FACES OF PLASTIC SHED
Caitlin
Camilla
Caitlin's journey with plastic waste began at University where she studied Interactive Art. Knowing she wanted to create pieces that had an environmental impact she began focusing her work on creating educational pieces, as well as everyday objects, made from plastic waste. In her final year she produced a childrens book with a storyline on the dangers of plastic within the environment, creating the book entirely from recycled plastic bags.
As well as being a Co-Director of Plastic Shed, Caitlin owns a Garden Design business, combining her love of art and the natural world.
Camilla started focusing her career around wellbeing, environment and creativity after years of travelling and inspiring experiences around the world.
Now based in Manchester, she is the Production Manager of a natural skincare & superfoods independent business and, Co-Director of Plastic Shed. Camilla facilitates workshops that aim to bring people together, raise awareness and tackle the shared problem of plastic waste through creativity and education.
Promoter of healthy and happy living, her work mainly focuses on helping people to make conscious choices that will bring a positive impact on their communities, themselves and the environment.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rachel
Jo
Camilla
Laura
Caitlin
