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New delivery service launched to rescue plants and raise funds for NHS Charities Together

A new initiative to rescue plants from British growers that are unable to be sold due to the Covid-19 lockdown and deliver them directly to homes throughout London, has been launched.

Plant Pack is stopping thousands of plants being scrapped by wholesalers that currently have no way of selling them to the public. Customers can visit getplantpack.co to place an order, with doorstep deliveries being made by leading recycling company, First Mile, and its fleet of ultra-low emission vehicles.

The whole process follows social distancing guidelines and 100% of profits from the initiative will be donated to support the valuable work of NHS Charities Together. All deliveries are free from excess packaging.

Plant Pack is led by entrepreneur, Miranda Essex, and has been made possible thanks to the group efforts and ideas of many supporters, including social media followers and friends and family. The initiative was created in response to garden centres closing due to the Covid-19 lockdown, meaning that thousands of plants are now without a home. This has come at a time when demand for plants has never been higher. Millions of us are now at home, looking for ways to brighten up our surroundings - and, for once, we have the time to do it. In short, demand is high and supply is high - but garden centres are either closed for business or unable to meet the level of demand via e- commerce.

First Mile’s delivery service for Plant Pack is the latest in a series of support measures being offered by the business. The company is still providing waste and recycling services to those critical businesses still operating in London, but has, over the past few weeks, converted some of its fleet to provide support to charities and social initiatives. This includes delivering donations of essential and wellbeing items from businesses throughout the capital to NHS staff, delivering donated books to low- income families and delivering emergency bundles (nappies, toiletries, beds and buggies) to families across London.

Speaking about the Plant Pack initiative, Miranda Essex, comments: “After I read that millions of plants were destined for the scrap heap, I wanted to do something about it. Plants can bring joy to peoples’ homes during lockdown. The potential waste is a great shame and I have been working alongside friends and supporters to do what little we can to solve the problem and support the NHS in the process.”

Founder and CEO of First Mile, Bruce Bratley, adds: " First Mile is devoted to minimising waste and appreciating the natural environment, so we’re delighted to work on this initiative. Not only can we help support British growers and stop thousands of beautiful plants going to waste, but we can also bring cheer to those households now able to enjoy them, as well as raise crucial funds for NHS Charities Together.”

About First Mile:

Founded in 2004 by Bruce Bratley, First Mile makes it easy for UK businesses to recycle and improve corporate sustainability. Serving over 27,000 customers, First Mile collects 65,000 tonnes every year, with a focus on
closing the loop where possible. First Mile is at the forefront of the waste industry, investing in technologies and continually innovating to transform how businesses recycle, manage waste and reduce their impact on the environment.

First Mile can recycle over 20 different types of materials, from the usual suspects of paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and food, to the more obscure such as coffee pods, textiles, light bulbs and cooking oil. With a no landfill policy, anything that can’t be recycled is turned into green energy.

For more information visit thefirstmile.co.uk