Environmental Good News
We know that there are many environmental issues impacting our world. However, many of us have made multiple changes to reduce the escalation of environmental problems. So, are our efforts making a difference? Let us share some environmental good news!
Prioritising Sustainability
Over recent years, a growing number of our customers have stated sustainability as a priority when discussing packaging requirements. It’s important to them, and to their customers. That’s because we’re increasingly making responsible purchasing decisions.
As individuals, we are recycling, carrying refillable water bottles, turning the heating down and planting bee-friendly flowers. People are litter picking to clean up their community, like the fantastic volunteers at Aylesbury Wombles. Others are cycling to work, washing clothes at lower temperatures or installing solar panels on the roof of their home.
At business events, discussions about reducing energy, water and waste are prolific. As a result, ideas and opportunities are shared. Our Manager, Luke, attended the Chatham House Climate Conference in November, along with representatives and speakers from 30 countries. Every conversation focused on collaborations and actions that could contribute to lowering the carbon footprint. However, it can be difficult to know whether these actions are making any difference.
What Does ONS Environmental Data Tell Us?
In November the latest Office of National Statistics (ONS) data on National Well-being* was published. This includes UK environmental information. So, what does it tell us?
Greenhouse Gas Emissions UK
Firstly, from 1990 to 2022, UK greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 49%. This suggests that energy efficiency measures are effective. Therefore, we need to continue to embrace opportunities to cut back emissions. One way to achieve this is the adoption of renewable energy, which moves us on to the next point.
Renewable Energy Generation UK
Secondly, renewable energy represented 14% of total UK energy consumption in 2022, up from 9.1% in 2017. Wind power is the biggest contributor to our energy supply, followed by bioenergy, solar and hydroelectric.
In May 2023, the trillionth kilowatt of energy was generated from renewable sources**. It took 50 years to achieve this. However, due to technical advances and wider adoption, it’s predicted that the figure will double in the next 5 years. Fortunately, this will be helped by the Government’s commitment to ‘home-grown’ renewables announced in November. Let’s hope it remains a priority on the political agenda, no matter who is in power.
Household Recycling UK
Thirdly, household recycling has remained stable since 2015, with rates around 44.5%. Producers and packaging companies have a role to play in pushing rates higher. It starts with circular thinking at the design stage; how can packaging be reduced and designed for reuse? Equally, how can products be designed to be repaired rather than replaced? Also, what would enable higher rates of recycling?
Changing Habits of the UK Population
The next item of good news is that 85% of UK adults have made some, or multiple, lifestyle changes to tackle environmental issues. This shows the majority of the population is informed and willing to do things differently. We want to make green choice. Will manufacturers and retailers make this easier for us?
Is There Progress on Reducing Plastic Packaging?
The ONS data doesn’t include information on plastic packaging. However, several plastic packaging items were banned in the UK on 1 October. These included polystyrene cups and containers. What’s more, Kids Against Plastic is currently campaigning to get plastic toys on magazines banned. Now, that sounds like this should have everyone’s support!
Then, in November, the European Commission approved plans to prohibit the export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries by 2026. Unfortunately, much of the plastic packaging collected in the UK and Europe for recycling is currently sent to low-income countries. They lack the resources to properly process the huge volumes of waste and it’s having a detrimental effect on communities and the environment.
The ban puts greater pressure on Governments to:
- Invest in waste management infrastructure
- Ban a wider range of single-use plastic products and packaging
- Increase plastic taxes
- Incentivise a circular economy
In addition, it’s been announced that the UK Plastic Tax will increase in April 2024, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). As a result, we expect more companies to shift towards plastic-free alternatives.
Keep Up The Good Work!
These points evidence that positive outcomes result from our actions. There is still a long way to go, but, as businesses and individuals, let’s keep up the good work. As a result of collective change, we can make more changes for the better.
Meanwhile, if you need sustainable packaging solutions from an FSC certified packaging company, get in touch on 01296 436888. Alternatively, email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk for advice, quotes and samples.
**https://www.nationalgrid.com/uk-hits-major-clean-energy-milestone
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.