Waste to Waves: Helston Workshop Has Days Left to Reach £25k Crowdfunder Target

A community recycling workshop in Helston has just days left to raise funds to expand its work turning beach plastic into boards, benches and creative projects.

One Blue Eye launched its From Waste to Waves crowdfunder back in December and currently has five days remaining, with £2,230 raised towards a £25,000 target.

The project, hosted on Crowdfunder UK, aims to grow the workshop’s capacity to recycle plastic collected from Cornwall’s beaches and communities, while offering hands on learning opportunities for schools, artists and local groups.

Turning waste into something useful

Based in Helston town centre, the workshop has spent the past three years exploring how plastic waste can be reused locally. The space allows people to see the full process, from waste plastic through to finished products such as surf craft, accessories and artwork.

The crowdfunder page explains that the next step is to expand the workshop with larger machines, allowing more material to be processed and bigger projects to be created.

The main priority is a sheet press, costing £13,000, which would be used to make large recycled panels and belly boards. This item will be purchased even if the full target is not reached, as the crowdfunder operates on a keep what you raise basis.

If further targets are met, the project plans to add an injection moulder for larger recycled items such as surfboard fins, followed by an extruder to produce recycled planks and skateboard decks.

A wider impact across Cornwall

The project also focuses on education and engagement. Supporters are told their backing will help run workshops for schools, youth groups and home educators, as well as provide volunteering and training opportunities for young people and those outside mainstream education.

Plans also include developing a network of local plastic collection points to keep more waste out of Cornwall’s natural environment.

One Blue Eye has already worked with a wide range of organisations, including Cornwall Council, RNLI, Tate St Ives, Surfing England, Watergate Bay Hotel and the 2 Minute Foundation.

Early donations may also help unlock match funding from Cornwall Council, subject to reaching eligibility criteria set by the council.

How to support

The From Waste to Waves crowdfunder has five days remaining. Anyone interested in supporting the project or finding out more can visit the crowdfunder page here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/from-waste-to-waves