The Corn Exchange Manchester is thrilled to announce that it has received a prestigious Green Apple Award for its innovative Book Exchange Vending Machine.
The award, presented by The Green Organisation, recognises the Corn Exchange’s commitment to environmental best practice and its efforts to promote sustainability within the community.
The Green Apple Award is a highly respected international recognition of environmental best practice.
The award scheme was established in 1994 and is now the only official feeder scheme into the Green World Awards, which are held in a different country each year.
Highest recognition
Jordan Raymond, Dan Davis and Arthur Willcock attended the Houses of Parliament on Monday to receive their award. The innovative Book Exchange Vending Machine was awarded a Gold Green Apple Award, the highest recognition of the Green Apple Awards.
The Corn Exchange’s Book Exchange Vending Machine was introduced earlier this year as a unique and engaging way to encourage reading and sustainability.
The “Read Swap Repeat” machine allows visitors to exchange their pre-loved books for tokens that can be used to acquire new reads. Any books deemed unsuitable for the machine are donated to local charity shops, ensuring that all books continue to bring joy to readers.
This initiative has not only helped to reduce the environmental impact of book production and reduced the amount of books entering traditional waste streams, but has also fostered a sense of community and placemaking within the centre.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised with a Gold award from The Green Organisation for our Book Exchange Vending Machine,” said Dan Davis, general manager at The Corn Exchange. “This award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and our dedication to creating a vibrant and sustainable community.”
The Corn Exchange’s Book Exchange Vending Machine has been met with resounding success since its inception.
“We are delighted with the response we have received from the community,” said Dan Davis. “The Book Exchange Vending Machine has not only encouraged reading and sustainability but has also brought people together and revitalised a previously unused space in the centre.”
The Green Organisation judges said of their project – Read Swap Repeat – Book Exchange Vending Machine – “The Corn Exchange in Manchester started an initiative which offers a free book recycling service, addressing rising living costs and promoting sustainability. Over 2000 people have benefited, exchanging old books for new ones via tokens from a vending machine, with no fees or memberships. It’s surpassed expectations, gaining widespread attention and media coverage. “
