As a business how can we support World Earth Day?

World Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness and encourage action to protect the environment. It is a day to remind us of the importance of sustainable living and how we can make a difference in the world. 

Businesses play a crucial role in the fight against climate change and can support World Earth Day in several ways.

Firstly, businesses can promote sustainable practices within their operations. For example, they can adopt environmentally friendly policies such as reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and conserving water. They can also encourage employees to reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport or cycling to work. By taking such steps, businesses can reduce their environmental impact and help mitigate climate change.

Secondly, businesses can partner with environmental organisations to support their activities. For example, they can sponsor tree planting or countryside/beach clean-up activities. They can also donate to organizations that work to protect the environment or support research on climate change. Such partnerships can raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing our planet and encourage individuals to take action.

Thirdly, businesses can use World Earth Day to launch or promote sustainable products and services. They can showcase how their products are eco-friendly and sustainable and how they are contributing to the fight against climate change. This can be an excellent way for businesses to increase their brand visibility and promote their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Fourthly, businesses can organize events or campaigns that promote environmental sustainability. For example, they can organise a cycling or walking event to promote low-carbon transport. They can also organise educational campaigns that raise awareness of the importance of reducing waste or conserving energy. Such initiatives can help to mobilize people to take action and create a positive impact on the environment.

Lastly, businesses can support World Earth Day by promoting environmental sustainability in their supply chains. They can work with their suppliers to ensure they are also committed to sustainable practices. They can also encourage their customers to adopt eco-friendly practices and promote their sustainable products.

To conclude, businesses can play a vital role in supporting World Earth Day by adopting sustainable practices, partnering with environmental organizations, promoting sustainable products and services, organizing events and campaigns, and promoting environmental sustainability in their supply chains. By doing so, businesses can positively impact the environment and contribute to the fight against climate change. Ultimately, protecting our planet is a shared responsibility, and everyone, including businesses, must take action to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

We're just scratching the surface here, but If you're ready to move to become more sustainable, get in touch, and we'll be happy to review your waste management processes and carbon emissions. 

by Tina Roper

2023 New Regulations around Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

From 1st January 2023 new legislation from the Environment Agency came into effect regarding the storage and disposal of waste upholstered domestic seating containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

From this date, upholstered furniture containing POPs cannot be safely disposed of in general waste or in landfill sites and should be treated as a separate waste stream. This means that these items must be safely disposed of through incineration.

POPs are poisonous chemical substances that remain intact in the environment for long periods and are harmful to the environment, wildlife and humans if they are not disposed of safely.

Investigative work carried out by The Environment Agency has identified quantities of POPs and other hazardous chemicals in the foam of upholstered seating.

Upholstered waste domestic seating examples, this includes any part made of or containing leather, synthetic leather, other fabric, or foam:

  • Sofas
  • Sofa beds
  • Armchairs
  • Kitchen and dining room chairs
  • Stools and foot stools
  • Home office chairs
  • Futons
  • Bean bags, floor and sofa cushions

The following items of domestic seating are unlikely to contain POPs:

  • Items that are not upholstered, without cushions.
  • Deckchairs
  • Wastes from manufacturing new domestic seating (and the manufacturer can demonstrate do not to contain POPs)
  • Mattresses, curtains, blinds and beds are not domestic seating and are not covered by this guidance.

POPs may also be found in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), this may include:

  • Office equipment – non-household types such as photocopiers and printers
  • Printed circuit boards
  • Cables and granulated cable plastics
  • Plastic cases from display devices (flat panel displays and cathode ray tubes)

For more details on WEEE that may contain POPs please visit the .gov website for further details.

Customers must inform us if they have any upholstered furniture containing POPs so we can arrange safe and legal collection.  Please note we are no longer able to collect any of these items if they are left outside as part of your general or other waste. 

For further information about the new regulations, visit .gov.

by Tina Roper