"We want our work to have a positive impact long into the future, not just for now. Our work should not cause harm now or in the future." (World Commission on Environment and Development) . 

Sustainability is one of our bemix Wider Values - Our way of working should support the long-term well-being of society, the economy and the environment. To ensure that these values are upheld and prioritised within our work, Leila Ayoub and Miranda Twyman are our organisation Eco Leads.

As part of the role Leila and Miranda work on how to minimise our impact on the environment. They work together with the rest of the bemix workforce to encourage and promote eco-friendly and sustainable ways of working. 

They recently co-produced an Easy Read policy which is available to everyone. It explains the values and ethics of bemix, because we care about the planet and all that lives on it, people, animals and the delicate ecosystem. 

Leila and Miranda visit bemix project sites to offer advice and share small informative presentations about the Earth and its ecosystem. They regularly share positive eco-friendly tips, advice and ideas, via a Facebook group for people in bemix and bemix workforce members.

Leila has been involved in bemix projects in Dover for many years. This means she knows how we work and what matters to people with a learning difficulty. She also brings a real passion to care for people and the planet. Take a look at her radio show ‘Plastic in our oceans’.

When asked about what attracted Leila to the role, she said “the reason I chose this job for bemix is I am really very passionate about the environment and nature. Lou gave me the job because she knew I was the right person to be the Job Lead in bemix”. Leila also talked about her intentions for the role: “I will be asking the supporters if they are recycling, buying eco products and buying Fair Trade food and making sure that no products are tested on animals.” 

 

Leila Ayoub, bemix Eco Co-Lead

 

Miranda has worked in bemix for a number of years and currently works in other roles also, including as a Life Choices Coach, a Learning Support Mentor and a Project Supporter. Miranda took on the role of co-Eco Lead as she was keen to learn more about sustainability and working in a way that does not negatively impact the environment.

Miranda said “I took on this role because I was excited to learn more about being green, being eco friendly and stretching this out to the workforce. I also was keen to co-work with Leila, I feel it is very rewarding to co-work with someone and help them reach their full potential. I already knew Leila and felt we would make a good team.”

 

Miranda Twyman and Leila Ayoub, bemix Eco Co-Leads

  

At bemix, co-production is at the heart of our organisation. It means that people with and without a learning difficulty and/or autism, work together equally and share the power to make the decisions within our work. This specific work - to make sure we value the environment in all we do - is co-led by a person with and without a learning difficulty, for the first time. Sustainability is important to all of us and so we are always excited to see what steps we can take to become more environmentally friendly, as guided by Leila and Miranda.

 

Are you passionate about global issues and sustainability? 

Read about our project ‘Rubbish In Our Oceans’

Read about how we make items to sell from reclaimed wood, in our Eco Shed project

Read about how we learn to cook vegan and vegetarian dishes to sell at our regular Pop Up Café, in our Discovery Catering project