The change from mindless consumption to mindful was never going to be easy. Nonetheless, there are plenty of people the world over who are helping us see the positives of adopting the circular business model.
Transitioning to a greener, circular economy involves various interlocking elements and, for many people, they can be viewed as disruptive and receive plenty of negative press. We look at five of those elements and highlight projects and news stories that showcase the positives of abandoning the linear way of doing things.
Conserving ecosystems and biodiversity through sustainable natural resource management
There are multiple projects the length and breadth of the country that set out to increase biodiversity and prove that people, animals and nature can live harmoniously, letting nature do its thing with far less intervention from humans. Knepp in West Sussex is probably one of the best known rewilding farms, where bison now roam, woodlands and their flora and fauna flourish, and white storks have nested for the first time in 400 years…
Promoting sustainable production through material and energy efficiency, environmentally friendly materials and renewable energy, such as solar and wind
Restore Technology takes a proactive approach to environmental responsibility, and this commitment is evident at its various processing sites across the UK. A shining example is the Cardington site in Bedfordshire, which embodies the company’s dedication to sustainable practices.
One of the most notable features of the Cardington site is its utilisation of renewable energy. The building boasts a significant array of photovoltaics installed directly on its roof. These solar panels harness the power of the sun, converting it into clean and sustainable electricity. This not only reduces reliance on traditional, often fossil-fuel-based energy sources but also minimizes the site’s carbon footprint.
Transitioning to sustainable and green transport based on e-mobility and energy efficiency
Lower fuel consumption, different fuel consumption, here at Restore Technology and across the Restore Group, we are acquiring a fleet comprising e-vans, e-trucks, e-cars and even e-forklifts, as and when the technology supports our company goals for both customer service and sustainability. It’s about investment, disrupting our assumptions, and sharing our sustainable wins with our customers, and proves that it can be done even across large fleets such as the Restore Group’s.
Promoting sustainable consumption by avoiding single-use items and keeping products in use for as long as possible.
www.gov.uk reports that plastic bag use from supermarkets has decreased by 98%, a huge success story and, for some large retailers, their multi-use ‘bags for life’ have added a lucrative new revenue stream! Toymakers, Lego and Mattel (makers of Barbie), both have re-use schemes which they actively encourage amongst family and friends, so their products can have a ‘new creative life’
Encouraging waste reduction, re-use, repair and recycling to recover valuable materials and minimise waste.
In the news this week is the story that Marks & Spencer is now running a repair and alterations service to meet customers’ demand for sustainability and re-use. Others will point to outdoor performance clothing brand, Patagonia, who have run their ‘Worn Wear’ programme for years.
Another article from the news highlights the excellent recovery and recycling of everything by house clearance business, Just Clear, who promise never to send any items they collect to landfill and is a clear example of how jobs are being created by being immersed in providing services within the circular economy.
But it’s not all good news.
In the UK too many of us, it seems, have bought into a fast fashion-type attitude to consumer products and electronics. Data from the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 (the most recent available) revealed that we were riding high. High, that is, on the global e-waste charts. Generating an annual 23.9kg of e-waste per capita placed us second on those charts.
That was four years ago. Experts from Uswitch now suggest that the UK has risen to take the top spot.
What are the barriers?
Generally, the areas that hold back circular practices are institutional, cultural, financial, regulatory and technological. Sadly, for many retailers and manufacturers, and their customers, being sustainable is less commercially viable than creating new products from scratch. The infrastructure, and support for it, is just not there.
We have the technology…
…and the infrastructure, and the accreditations, and the culture…
Our goal, at Restore Technology, is to help you build your sustainable actions – through professional ITAD services and WEEE disposal/recycling which encourage your own customers’ loyalty, and mean that you are doing the right thing for Earth and all her inhabitants and, of course, that you become a stakeholder in the circular economy.
Get in touch with our knowledgeable, approachable customer service team to find out more.
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