The Eco-Bench is a project designed to incorporate live plants into a practical communal bench. In doing so, the bench will serve to absorb Co2 and harmful particulates from the atmosphere, thereby tackling climate change and improving air quality. With the aim of re-galvanising community spirit and social interaction in a post-Covid world, the Eco-Bench will intermittently feature 'Happy To Chat' posters. These posters will be placed on the bench backrest, in plain sight of users, with the intention of encouraging members of the community to have a chat while they sit down. The posters will feature the message. Working with ecologists at the University of Edinburgh to select the most effective plants, our estimates indicate that this bench will absorb the equivalent of 10 cars driving 50-mile journeys in one day. Alternatively, it will absorb as much Co2 as roughly 200m2 of trees. The Eco-Bench therefore offers a convenient and practical solution to the greening of urban centres.

What we'll deliver:

• Build and install 1 Eco-Bench
• Encourage community to come together and talk

Why it's a great idea:

By reducing levels of Co2 and purifying the air of harmful particulates, this bench will serve to tackle climate change and reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases. Moreover, it will provide a peaceful and natural communal setting for residents and visitors of the Penfold Community Hub. The plants, illuminated at night, will provide a focal point for the local community, who will be drawn to its splendour - a perfect conversation starter to take small steps towards combatting loneliness and bringing the community together. Additionally, with a built-in informational plaque and QR code, the bench will highlight to people the incredible power of natural solutions to climate change. It will achieve this by explaining the processes at work within the bench, and how these contribute to the reduction of both climate change and the purification of air.

Steps to get it done:

• Finalising 3D model design
• Constructing sample bench from MDF
• Casting MDF bench in latex
• Building a steel trade mould for setting bench
• Setting bench in concrete/plastic, removal from mould, polishing
• Insertion of (thick) glass panels, lighting and solar panel
• Delivery and installation of bench
• Insertion of plants
• Leave the plants to work

Constructed from durable waste recycled plastics (microplastics), the autonomous bench will feature in the Penfold Community Hub gardens. It's sleek modern design, with lights illuminating the plants at work, will make it the centre-piece of the gardens, attracting visitors and enlightening the public of the incredible power of natural carbon sequestration techniques. With even the smallest pledge (£2 is more than enough), you can help us ensure that this bench reaches the Penfold Community Hub. You can help kickstart our journey to bring people together and save the planet!