Dulwich Physio are excited to announce that we’re one of 16 high street businesses to be awarded a ‘Southwark High streets beyond waste’ grant from Southwark Council and ReLondon! We’ll be using it to introduce activities into the business that will reduce waste and help London on its journey to become a low carbon city.
There are two activities the grant is helping to fund. The first is regarding treatment plinths and gym equipment hygiene, using eco friendly ant-viral and anti-bacterial cleaning products with a comparison of paper towel vs fabric towels. The project will compare the circular economy of paper versus fabric towels whilst maintaining high levels of hygiene.
One reason why this project was chosen is that traditional alcohol-based cleaning sprays can lead to cracked and split treatment plinths; costly to repair, unsightly and difficult to keep clean. Using fabric towels or paper rolls both have their pros and cons regarding buying and producing too much waste, and it is questionable which option is best. The grant has allowed us time to research and purchase supplies, with a full report to follow. The report can then be used to inform physiotherapy clinics, and other services such as beauticians, hairdressers and gyms of hygiene options.
The second activity concerns reusing walking aids or gym equipment within our client group and local community. Many of us will have a pair of crutches, knee brace or airboot which are no longer required but in good condition, or dumbbells masquerading as doorstops and exercise bikes as clothes horses!
We are often asked if we know of organisations where such items can be donated, or if we can provide crutches following an injury. The grant money will assist in the research and set-up of a “marketplace” where individuals can donate, safely source and reuse good quality rehab kit. This part of the project is very much work-in-progress, and if anyone would like to help with the legal and operational side of such a project, please get in touch.
