What is Phoenix Fridges
Phoenix Fridges is using an innovative approach to tackling the inefficiency of household fridges which are major contributors to ozone depletion, climate change, increased energy costs and landfill.
In 2005 a pilot scheme trialling a series of measures to increase energy efficiency at minimal cost for second-hand fridges was conducted. Following the successful pilot scheme, Phoenix Fridges was launched by the Brotherhood of St Laurence as a Brotherhood business, with support from Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL), TRUenergy, the Adult Multicultural Education Service (AMES), the Victorian Government Government Sustainability Fund, managed by Sustainability Victoria.
Phoenix calls on the public to donate second-hand fridges or old fridges that are no longer working or required.
These fridge donations are collected from Melbourne households FREE of charge and then taken to the Phoenix workshop in Brunswick for evaluation. To view the Phoenix process click here >
“Phoenix highlights the essential link between good environmental policy, good economic policy and good social policy in the fight to tackle climate change,
Executive Director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Tony Nicholson said.
Phoenix is a step towards assisting low-income earners in the transition to a more environmentally and economically friendly lifestyle and relieving pressures placed on them as a result of climate change.
As part of its philosophy of inclusion, the Brotherhood also aims to strengthen the capacity of new and emerging communities to become active participants in the social and economic life of Australia.
Phoenix Fridges facilitates this philosophy by offering traineeships to long-term unemployed people, guiding them through on-the-job training and work experience. Upon completion of the six-month traineeship, participants are granted a Certificate II in Electronic Assembly and have the skills necessary to take on regular work.
Patient completed the program in 2008 and is now a full-time employee of Phoenix. Read his success story here >
