As 3.4 million homeowners confess to throwing broken or unwanted tech in the bin, despite knowing it will harm the planet, Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub are launching the 2023 Time After Time fund with a share of £500,000 available for projects which tackle both electronic waste and support digital inclusion.
The new research reveals that 23 per cent have thrown unwanted items away, even though more than 8 in 10 admit it will damage the environment. The study also found that almost half of homeowners (46%) have an ‘out of sight, out of mind attitude’ towards sorting out their house.
Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub’s Time After Time fund – now in its second year – will award grants from £25,000 up to £100,000 to a variety of organisations including charities, community groups and social enterprises to run projects that reduce e-waste and help people in need to access tech and get online.
The organisations have joined forces with TV presenter and environmentalist, George Clarke, who will join the judging panel to select the winning projects. Applications are now open and close on Friday 20 October.
George said: “Sustainability and community are two causes that I’m incredibly passionate about, which is why it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of this year’s judging panel for Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub’s Time After Time fund.
“It’s a fantastic initiative both tackling the nation’s growing e-waste problem and helping those in need, so I’m really looking forward to seeing the brilliant and inspiring ideas the applicants come up with.”
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “With George Clarke joining Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub’s search for the UK’s most innovative and exciting eco projects which cut e-waste and rehome unwanted devices with people in need, this year’s Time After Time fund will play a key role in protecting the planet, championing circularity and improving people’s lives across the country.
“Applications close on 20 October, and we’re excited to receive the brightest ideas from community groups, charities and social enterprises.”
Gavin Ellis, Co-founder of Hubbub, commented: “E-waste is a pressing environmental issue so this funding is very welcome and enables us to support a range of initiatives that will make a real difference. We are particularly delighted that a number of the winning projects aim to engage with people aged 16-24 who are not only heavy users of electrical items but are key to helping tackle this issue in the future.”
Find out more about the Time After Time fund here.
