Companies and organisations have been given greater responsibility for the total environmental impact of their products and services including how they are packaged. These companies or organisations handling packaging are obliged to pay a proportion of the associated cost for recovery and recycling of their packaging [1]. As well as complying with regulation, those choosing to reduce and improve the quality (i.e. ability to be reused) of their packaging can benefit from reduced material usage, costs and energy consumption [2].

Packaging Regulations

Producers of packaging are regulated by:

• The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2005 [3]
• The Packaging (Essential Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 [4]

Who is responsible?

Under the packaging regulations those companies or organisations handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging per annum or with a turnover greater than £2 million are obliged to take responsibility for the final disposal of their packaging. Those ‘handling’ packaging include: raw material manufacturers, converters, packers/fillers, sellers and importers of packaging [5].

Responsibility also lies with consumers. When purchasing a product or service the consumer must be aware of the quantity of packaging and the correct method for disposal.

Packaging Obligations

Those who fall under the Packaging regulations are obliged to meet a proportion of the associated cost for recovery and recycling of their packaging [1]. Relinquishing this obligation can be achieved in a variety of ways:

1. Joining a packaging compliance scheme. The Environment Agency provides a comprehensive list of schemes [6].
2. Individual route.
3. Allocation method based on annual turnover.

As well as disposal obligations, the weight and volume of the packaging used must be minimal, and heavy metal content is also restricted [7].

It should be noted that non compliance is a criminal offence [8].

Packaging design for the environment

The best approach to packaging is a proactive approach. Incorporating end-of-life considerations (e.g. recycling and reuse) into the design and production of packaging can minimise energy consumption, materials and additional costs. For the most effective proactive approach the following should be considered during design and production of packaging: Reusability, Biodegradability, Recyclability, Sustainability and Reduction of Materials [7].

An example of packaging minimisation

Tesco were recently awarded the Green Retailer of the year for improvements to their alcoholic drinks packaging. By reducing the weight of wine bottles by 30%, 560 tonnes of glass are saved annually. Other packaging reductions have been implemented within the store by increasing the concentrations of products (e.g. squash) and removing secondary packaging where unnecessary [9] [10].

Why not take a look at our store for products that are all accredited to the highest environmental standards?

[1] www.valpak.co.uk (2010)

[2] www.businesslink.gov.uk(2010)

[3] http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20053468.htm (2005).

[4] http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2009/uksi_20091504_en_1 (2009).

[5] www.netregs.gov.uk(2010)

[6] npwd.environment-agency.gov.uk (2010)

[7] www.businesslink.gov.uk (2010)

[8] www.berr.gov.uk (2006).

[9] www.energysavingtrust.org.uk (2010).

[10] www.tesco.com (2010)

Further information on relinquishing this responsibility and complying with packaging regulations can be found at the following:

Packaging Environmental Ltd: http://www.packagingenvironmental.co.uk/

A.M Associates: http://www.environmentalpackaging.co.uk/

EPI: http://www.enviro-pac.com/

Packaging regulations: http://www.valpak.co.uk/nav/page1542.aspx

Material Change for a better Environment: http://www.wrap.org.uk/

Business Link: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1076439134&type=RESOURCES

Environmental Packaging International (EPI): http://www.enviro-pac.com/Packglobal.htm

Energy Saving Trust: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Resources/Energy-saving-news/Waste-recycling/Supermarket-praised-for-packaging-reductions/(energysavingtrust)/603538

What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsetting is the practice of counterbalancing carbon intensive activities with those that positively impact the future of the environment and/or remove carbon from the atmosphere. Carbon emissions from individuals and organisations are offset through investment in renewable energy schemes, plantations, conservation projects etc [1].

How can carbon emissions be offset?

A variety of options are available to offset carbon emissions. Some companies offer a carbon offsetting service when purchasing their products e.g. flights. The majority of companies providing flights offer this service including EasyJet, British Airways, Qantas and Virgin. When purchasing a British Airways ticket carbon emissions are calculated for the specific flight and a payment offset offered. The payment is invested directly in renewable energy schemes offsetting the carbon emissions [2].

Carbon emissions can also be offset through independent offsetting organisations e.g. Carbon Footprint, Woodland Trust, and Climate Care (see links below). These organisations are suitable for both individuals and businesses, and, for both sporadic and long term carbon management. Generally the organisations offer the following services:

• Carbon emission calculator
• Advice on energy & carbon reduction
• Receipt of offset payment proportional to calculated carbon emission
• Investment of offset payment in specific environmental projects
• Case Studies
• For businesses – certification of carbon offset

ESW offers our own carbon offsetting service so why not take a look? Purchasing products from us also allows you to consider your carbon footprint, as our Carbon Action Points Scheme will offset carbon emissions according to amount purchased.

How sustainable is carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsetting is a viable option for individuals and organisations alike. However, it should be noted, that offsetting carbon emissions is not a means to continue practices as normal, and should only be justified where no means of minimisation or avoidance is possible.

An overwhelming number of carbon offsetting schemes exist and in a small proportion of these their legitimacy and regulation is questionable. The Department of Energy & Climate Change offer a Quality Assurance Scheme which provides guidance on good quality offsetting companies [3].

Further information can be found at:

General carbon offsetting

• Energy Saving Trust
• Woodland Trust
• DirectGov
• Carbon Footprint
• CO2 Balance, Carbon Offsetting for Businesses
• Pure, The Clean Planet Trust
• Climate Care
• Offset Consumer

Aviation offsetting

• Reduce My Footprint (Travel Industry)
• British Airways
• Easy Jet
• Qantas
• Virgin Atlantic

[1] http://www.offsetconsumer.org/ (2010)

[2] http://www.britishairways.com/travel/csr-your-footprint/public/en_gb (2010)

[3] http://offsetting.decc.gov.uk/ (2010)

The Global Ecolabelling Network describes an ecolabel as; “a label which identifies overall environmental preference of a product or service within a specific product/service category based on life cycle considerations.” To ensure legitimacy of the ecolabel a third party determines the specific environmental criteria and awards certification by display of a standardised logo.

Displaying an ecolabel allows producers to demonstrate the environmental considerations that have been incorporated into a product or service. A number of general ecolabels exist and their uptake is primarily voluntary. The European Ecolabel is one such scheme and is demonstrated by a flower logo. Products and services are grouped e.g. appliances, paper products, tourist accommodation, and each group dictates its own criteria to achieve certification [1].

The ecolabel also aids the decision making process of the environmentally conscious consumer towards a product or service meeting their own environmental criteria. One example of a well established ecolabel is the Forestry Stewardship Scheme (FSC) UK (“tick tree logo”). Those producing and/or utilising timber products for retail once certified to FSC social and environmental standards, can display the logo on their products. For those purchasing timber products, the FSC label allows you to be assured of the environmental credibility of that product [2].

The benefits of displaying an ecolabel on a product or service are threefold to producer, consumer and the environment. Consumers choosing to purchase products or services displaying an ecolabel will only further drive environmental responsibility amongst producers. Those producers choosing to display their environmental responsibility may see benefits in growing market advantage compared to those producers who do not [3]. However the world of ecolabelling can appear confusing with ecolabelling.org [4], identifying worldwide, 325 current logos and schemes.

All the products in our store have been accredited to the highest environmental standards and come with various ‘ecolabels’.

[1] EUROPA: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/ (2010)

[2] http://www.fsc-uk.org/ (2010)

[3] Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) : http://www.globalecolabelling.net/ (2010)

[4] http://ecolabelling.org/ (2010)

International Institute for Sustainable Development: http://www.iisd.org/standards/ecolabelling.asp (2007)

Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA): http://ecolabel.defra.gov.uk/ (2010)

The European Eco-label Catalogue: http://www.eco-label.com/default.htm (2010)

Although some appliances still perform tasks in standby mode (e.g. downloads and recording) this is infrequent and for the majority of appliances a standby mode is completely pointless. By leaving an appliance in standby mode, the user pays for electricity which has absolutely no benefit to the appliance or the user. An analogy of this kind of waste is; once your teeth are cleaned not turning the water off completely, but turning it down slightly waiting for you to come and clean them again! Leaving appliances on standby makes no environmental or economic sense.

What are the Stats?

• In the UK approximately two power stations a year provide energy to appliances left on standby [1]
• 8-10% of electricity utilised in homes powers appliances left on standby [3]
• £740million of power a year is wasted by appliances left in standby mode [3]
• Leaving multiple appliances on standby can cost a consumer up to £100 in wasted electricity a year [2]
• Some appliances left in standby mode can use up to 25-90% of the in use power requirement [3] [4]

Appliances left on Standby

Each appliance, when left in standby mode, utilises a varying quantity of power. Below is a list of some of the most costly (economically and environmentally) appliances when left in standby mode (statistics taken from NIE Energy [2]):

This is not a definitive list, all appliances left in standby utilise power. For further statistics see [2]. Leaving appliances on standby significantly contributes towards an increasing carbon footprint. According to the Energy Saving Trust [5] [1], the following CO₂ emission contributions, per year, result from leaving appliances in standby mode:

• Stereos 1,600,000 tonnes
• TV’s 480,000 tonnes
• Games Consoles 390,000 tonnes
• DVD Players 100,000 tonnes
• Set Top Boxes 60,000 tonnes

Reducing Standby

There are two areas for action to reduce the use of standby: the appliances and their users. Appliances are becoming more energy efficient and procurement should be based on this efficiency. As more and more appliances become available on the market buying efficiently is imperative.

As well as benefiting the environment by reducing energy consumption, turning appliances off at the mains directly benefits users, reducing electricity bills. Making the conscious decision to turn appliances off, after use, at the plug would be the ideal solution. Educating others; employees, children, residents and making this practise a habitat will make turning off appliances at the mains ‘the norm’. Having easy access to plugs is another simple measure which encourages turning off at the mains [5].

An alternative option exists in the Standby Saver a product aimed to ensure no energy is used by an appliance when it’s not in use.

Standby Savers

A variety of products exist which allow the user of the appliance to ensure no power is consumed when not in use. For appliances such as TV’s, DVD’s and games consoles a remote operated standby saver can be utilised. Appliances plug into a standby saver, which in turn are plugged into the mains supply. When operated by remote the standby saver turns off the mains supply to the appliance and reinstates this supply when turned on. More than one appliance can plug into a standby saver. The price of this device generally varies between £15-30.

Another version of standby saver can be utilised by Personal Computers and Laptops. This version of the saver plugs directly into the Computer and allows the user to switch to an energy saving mode when not in use. This product should only be used as a temporary energy saving devise and when the PC is not in use for a period of time it should be switched off [6].

References

[1] http://www.generous.org.uk/actions/home/112/switch-it-off-at-the-plug-dont-stand-by, (2006)

[2] http://www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk/tips.php, (date unknown)

[3] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/ethicallivingblog/2007/nov/02/pulltheplugonstandby (2007)

[4] http://www.biggreenswitch.co.uk/energysaving/Don-t-leave-appliances-standby/article-911563-detail/article.html, (2009)

[5] http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Easy-ways-to-stop-wasting-energy/Stop-wasting-energy-and-cut-your-bills/Tips-to-help-you-stop-wasting-energy/Stop-wasting-energy-in-your-living-room, (2010)

[6] http://www.which.co.uk/reviews-ns/ecobutton/index.jsp, (2009)

Bottled Water

The perception of bottled water is a clean, fresh and healthier alternative to tap water [7]. It is this perception along with convenience that has resulted in a multi billion pound bottled water industry that exists in the UK today [7] [6] [4]. However this perception is generally unfounded [7] [13] [3] and the detrimental environmental impacts outweigh any potential claims of health benefits.

What are the Environmental Impacts of Bottled Water?

• According to Thames Water a litre of bottled water produces approximately 600 times the quantity of CO₂ than mains equivalent [9].
• Production of plastic and glass bottles uses significant quantities of energy, water and hazardous substances
• Global transportation of bottled water to meet demand results in a large international carbon footprint [10]
• The production of one plastic bottle can use up to seven times the amount of water held in a bottle [14]
• Disposal of bottles to landfill [10].
• There is no European legal requirement to display quality standards of the water contained in bottles [7].

Tap Water

Tap water is often taken for granted and is a precious commodity unfortunately not shared globally. The UK is fortunate having some of the cleanest providers of tap water globally and at a price up to 500 times cheaper than equivalent bottled water [7]. Tap water must meet strict quality standards, and consumers of tap water have the ability to check this quality through the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) [5]. Tests have also shown that tap water is just as safe as bottled water [3] [4].

What are the Environmental Impacts of Tap Water?

• The transportation of tap water from source to consumer can involve a distance of underground piping. These pipes can be poorly maintained and may result in a significant loss of water through leakage to the surrounding area. Reportedly in 2009, 3.29 billion litres of water were lost in the UK [2] enough to fill over 130,000 Olympic sized swimming pools.
• Impending drought caused by changing seasons and climate can lead to tap water demand competing with essential water for river maintenance [8] [12].

Which Source is the Sustainable choice?

When considering whether to purchase a bottle of water or pour another glass from the tap, the sustainability of the source of that water should be a key consideration. As demonstrated the more sustainable choice should be tap water.

However bottled water has, and continues to reduce its environmental impact. Labelling requirements have become more stringent, plastic bottles are more recyclable and contain reduced quantities of harmful chemicals [11] [6].

However these improvements are minimal and do nothing to tackle the carbon footprint associated with the production & transportation of the bottles, and the sourcing and processing of spring water. Unless in very specific circumstances (e.g. en emergency or tap water standards are not met) bottled water should be replaced with tap equivalent. Preparedness is the key to reducing bottled water consumption i.e. knowing when water will be required and carrying tap water in recyclable containers.

Although tap water is the obvious “environmental choice” much can be done to improve its transportation and storage which would further increase the sustainability gap between bottled and tap water.

References

[1] The Independent; ‘Environmental Insanity’ to drink bottled water when it tastes as good from the tap. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/environmental-insanity-to-drink-bottled-water-when-it-tastes-as-good-from-the-tap-405955.html, (2006)

[2] The Daily Mail; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1291435/Enough-water-22m-people-leaking-water-firms-pipes-EVERY-DAY–warned-hot-weather-cause-hosepipe-ban.html (2010)

[3] Green Lifestyle Magazine: http://greenlifestylemagazine.net/issue-3/bottled-water-vs-tap-water.php, (date unknown)

[4] EHow: Bottled Water Vs Tap Water http://www.ehow.co.uk/about_5371489_bottled-water-vs-tap-water.html, (date unknown)

[5] The Drinking Water Inspectorate: http://www.dwi.gov.uk/, (2010)

[6] British Bottled Water Producers: http://www.britishbottledwater.org/vitalstats.html (2010)

[7] Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management:  Bottled Drinking Water http://www.ciwem.org/policy/policies/bottled_water.asp (2005)

[8] Bottled Water Information: Sustainability and the Environment http://www.bottledwaterinformation.co.uk/default.asp?section=3&subsection=11 (2010)

[9] The Guardian: BBC accused of wasting £406,000of public money a year on bottled water.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/aug/11/bbc-bottled-water (2009)

[10] All about Water; The effects of Bottled water on the environment: http://www.allaboutwater.org/environment.html (2008)

[11] British Soft Drinks Association: http://www.britishsoftdrinks.com/default.aspx?page=679 (2010)

[12] The Guardian; North-West England Faces Hosepipe bans after drought warning. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/20/north-west-england-hosepipe-ban-drought-warning (2010)

[13] BBC; Health: Fluids http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/treatments/healthy_living/nutrition/healthy_water.shtml, (2008)

[14] The Good Human: 12 Reasons to stop drinking bottled water. http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2008/12/29/10-reasons-to-stop-drinking-bottled-water/, (2008)

The water powered digital clock works on the principle of electron transfer between a positive (cathode) and negative (anode) immersed in water [4]. Simplified a piece of slow dissolving zinc and electrons extracted from water complete an electrical circuit providing energy to power the clock. The total life expectancy of the clock can vary and depends on how long the zinc takes to entirely dissolve [1, 3]. The clocks do require maintenance as the water does diminish. How often the clocks require a water top up can vary widely between brands of clocks; anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Some clocks also require the addition of lemon juice in the water to increase energy production [3].

The primary environmental advantage of these clocks is they are devoid of batteries and do not require a mains supply, running entirely off the power produced by water!  The components of the clock are also ‘environmentally friendly’ improving recyclability. A variety of digital water clocks exist offering a variety of functions. As well as displaying the time some also act as an alarm, thermometer, timer and flower vase [3]! The clocks also come in a variety of designs, some reusing bottles to house the clock [5].

The general consensus from reviews is that the clock provides basic functions well (e.g. time) but more complex tasks (e.g. alarm) are compromised [6]. Without a back light these clocks are best suited to places used primarily during the day such as offices [5]. However these clocks do have a place in someone’s home or office; they are cheap to purchase, practically run for free and have great novelty value!

[1] Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_powered_clock, (2009)

[2] Energy Harvesting Journal: http://www.energyharvestingjournal.com/articles/water-powered-clocks-00002245.asp?sessionid=1, (2010)

[3] Tip and Trick: http://www.tipandtrick.net/2009/save-the-environment-with-water-powered-clock/, (2009)

[4] How stuff works: http://science.howstuffworks.com/earth/green-technology/sustainable/home/water-powered-clock.htm/printable, (2009)

[5] Water Powered Clock: http://www.waterpoweredclocks.com/, (2010)

[6] Gadget Speak: http://www.gadgetspeak.com/gadget/article.rhtm/755/475846/Gizoo_Water_Powered_Clock.html, (2007)

Globally, the production of pulp and paper is one of the most environmentally damaging industries. The process of pulp and paper production has high energy and water demands and also requires high concentrations of chemicals. The process is also one of largest emitters of greenhouse gases [2]. Increasingly, intensive tree plantations are being used to produce virgin (i.e. not recycled) wood for pulp and paper production. These intensive plantations rely heavily on the application of chemicals and do little to support wildlife or replicate natural forests [1]. All of these environmental impacts of simply printing onto a piece of paper greatly contribute to an unhealthy environmental footprint!

Responsible Paper Purchasing…..

The following is a list of considerations to be taken when purchasing paper:

• Minimise – almost half of the trees felled globally go to pulp production so minimisation should be the first priority [2][1]. Where possible, reduce the quantity of paper used e.g. emails, double sided printing and use of whiteboards [4].
• Choose recycled paper – paper can be recycled up to half a dozen times before it is no longer suitable. The process of recycling utilises significantly less energy, water and chemicals than its virgin equivalent [2]. A wide variety of recycled paper grades are available and the quality has improved greatly [5]. The ability to reuse paper relies on people recycling their paper in the first place; so implementing a thorough system for collating and recycling paper is very important.
• Paper grade – choosing the correct grade of paper for its intended use is a very good way to minimise environmental impact. The higher the grade of paper selected the more pulp and bleaching is required. Therefore a lower grade of paper = a lower environmental impact! [2].
• Chlorine free – chlorine is utilised in the bleaching process of paper. Chlorine is a highly polluting chemical when released into the environment and alternative, less polluting, bleaching products are utilised so select  ‘Processed Chlorine Free’ PCF paper where possible [5].
• Implementing a ‘Responsible Paper Purchasing Policy’ within a organisation or office is a great way to raise awareness, decrease unnecessary paper waste and incorporate these considerations into everyday practice [1] [4].

What are the Environmental Benefits of Buying Recycled Paper?

According to Wasteonline.org.uk [6] the following savings can result from every tonne of recycled paper being recycled:

• At least 30000 litres of water
• 28-70% less energy required than virgin paper
• 95% reduction in air pollution

As well as these benefits, reducing the quantity of trees felled globally may also help save some important ecosystems and habitats under immediate threat.

Paper Labelling

There is a variety of recycled paper on the market and establishing the environmental integrity of the source of this paper is a challenge! One label becoming the ‘norm’ of paper recycling and sustainable paper production is the Forestry Stewardship Council logo [2]. The logo, a ‘ticktree,’ indicates that the source of the wood used in the paper production has met the standards set by the FSC. These standards allow a consumer to be reassured of the environmental credibility and sustainability of the wood used in pulp and paper production [7].

As a consumer purchasing recycled paper, whether corporate or personal, demand is being created and increased. This demand will inevitably lead to a cleaner, more sustainable industry and further increase the use and availability of recycled paper [3].

[1] GreenBiz. Beyond Recycling: Responsible Paper Purchasing. http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2008/05/11/beyond-recycling-responsible-paper-purchasing (2008)

[2] WWF. The WWF Guide to Buying paper. http://assets.panda.org/downloads/wwf_paper_guide.pdf (2007)

[3] Environmental Paper. Guidance to Best Practices for Advancing Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Paper. http://www.environmentalpaper.org/documents/CommonVision-guidance.pdf (2002)

[4]A Greener Office. How to Establish a ‘Green’ Paper Policy. http://www.agreeneroffice.co.uk/how-establish-green-paper-policy.html (2009)

[5]Conservatree. Recycled and Environmental Paper Information  http://www.conservatree.com/ (2010)

[6]  Waste Online; Paper Recycling Information Sheet: http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/resources/InformationSheets/paper.htm (2006)

[7] Forestry Stewardship Council. http://www.fsc.org/about-fsc.html (2010)