Volunteering at Teprel
16 April, 2025
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The “ Volunteering at Teprel” project continues to grow. This time the actions were dedicated to environmental, health and community causes.
Did you know that more than 1.8 million tons of food are wasted every year in Portugal alone?
To tackle this problem, the Fruta Feia Cooperative has created an alternative market for food-quality fruit and vegetables that are considered “ugly” by the usual distribution channels because they don’t meet certain aesthetic standards in terms of shape, color and size.
The main goal is to fight food waste and the unnecessary use of resources used in its production (land, energy, water, etc.), thus raising awareness among the population and giving them the chance to consume seasonal and regional products at a lower price.
The various branches nationwide act as drop-off points for those who want to consume “ugly” fruit and vegetables and rely on the help of volunteers to prepare/assemble weekly baskets. Teprel went to meet this cooperative and took part in two of the many activities taking place across the country.
Meanwhile, the REFOOD Movement rescues tons of good food to eliminate waste and feed people in need. This time Teprel volunteers joined Refood Olivais and prepared ready-to-eat meals, as well as bread, cakes, snacks and vegetables to be distributed at the end of this shift to those who need it most. This is a 100% volunteer movement that transforms not only waste into nutrition, but also the lives of everyone involved in a true circular economy of solidarity – driven by goodwill.
The Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation in Lisbon and Porto have their doors open to corporate volunteering to support patients whose lives depend on a transfusion.
Our volunteers accepted the challenge and many donated blood for the first time. A gesture that lasts just a few minutes but makes all the difference. More than donating blood, it’s saving lives.
With the support of the League for the Protection of Nature (LPN), 13 of our employees collected 41.6 kg of undifferentiated waste and 10.7 kg of plastic. The goal of this action was to clean up Cabo do Mundo beach in Matosinhos, and above all to raise employees’ awareness of the problem of marine waste and to promote a circular economy.
We mainly found plastic from sanitary, medical and hygiene waste, such as syringes, wipes, cotton buds, among others. Over time, plastic fragments degrade under the sun and other erosive agents, becoming microplastics, pieces smaller than 5 mm that are difficult to collect but have a huge impact on ecosystems. Most of the waste we find comes from our homes and it’s up to us to “reduce, rethink, refuse, reuse, recover and recycle”.
Various activities, new knowledge acquired and, above all, a strong team spirit. Together, we showed that corporate volunteering has the power to transform – not only those who receive it, but also those who take part.
Thanks to all the volunteers for your availability and commitment to the challenges!
