Call for Phone Standards

Europe's largest mobile phone recycler demands industry standards to remove all data from handsets received, a ban on the export of non-working handsets, and zero landfill

 

Regenersis, Europe’s largest mobile phone recycling and reuse provider, is demanding new standards be set for mobile phone recycling across Europe which include the removal of all data from handsets received, a ban on the export of non-working handsets which could end up as waste, and a zero landfill policy. 

 

The company has produced a research paper as a first step to setting industry standards for the reuse and recycling of unwanted mobile phones, of which there are an estimated 15 million replaced each year in the UK alone.  The standards focus on three main areas:

 

·         The removal of all personal data from every handset received to protect the identity of those who have willingly returned an unwanted handset

·         Segregating working from non-working handsets at source rather than shipping all products received to developing economies. 

·         Operating a zero landfill policy and ensuring that all non-working, non repairable products are recycled in their home market rather than in places such as China, India or Africa, minimizing impact on the environment

 

Regenersis studied a random sample of 2000 handsets processed during the first week in December  and found that 99% of handsets received contained some sort of personal data, including:  Contacts, SMS messages, pictures, music, videos, calendar entries, emails, notes, mailing lists and to do lists.  In some cases, extremely sensitive information was contained, including bank details, addresses, and confidential emails.   The company has operated a zero landfill policy for over five years.

 

Mark Franklin, Managing Director of Regenersis said, “The reuse and recycling market is becoming more and more crowded and we want to ensure that the consumer, when making a choice of recyclers, is making an informed and responsible decision.  By implementing these standards, we protect the consumer by removing all data from the devices received.  We protect the markets to which our products are resold, by only remarketing quality products, and we protect the environment by ensuring that nothing goes to landfill."

 

The company undertook market research in December of 2008 and found that over 90% of consumers would be shocked, annoyed or disappointed if their mobile phone had not been handled in this manner. 

 

The report can be downloaded from http://www.regenersis.com/standards.aspx

 

Regenersis processed over 2 million handsets for reuse and recycling in 2008 and supports major brands like Orange, O2, and Vodafone; major charities like Shelter, Sense and BBC Children in Need; and operates the Coolafone joint venture.

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Lush funding Plane Stupid

10th December 2008

The co-founder of cosmetics retailer Lush has been revealed as a fundraiser for the climate change protesters that closed Stansted Airport on Monday.

Not only does Mark Constantine use his own money to support the Plane Stupid organisation, he also uses some of the company's profits. All the proceeds from sales of Lush's Charity Pot hand cream are donated to organisations including Plane Stupid.

Mr Constantine said he may now pay the legal bills of the 56 people arrested. He said this would come out of his own pocket rather than the firm's.

As the majority owner of what is a private company, Mr Constantine does not have to answer to other shareholders. He insists that his customers are aware of where the money is going, although he admits that some of them are not happy about it. Mr Constantine added that while he is too frightened to join the protestors in person, he is happy to back Plane Stupid financially.

A total of 52 flights had to be cancelled at Stansted on Monday after the Plane Stupid activists managed to breach the airport's security. Mr Constantine said it was unfortunate that people were disrupted, and that he would not condone illegal activity.

"However, something needs to be done about climate change," he said. He added that as Plane Stupid "are trying to look after us, someone has to look after them".

Mr Constantine co-founded Lush in 1995, and last year it had a turnover of £144m from 600 stores in 44 countries. His personal wealth is estimated to be around £50m.

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EcoConnect Launched

21 October 2008,

EcoConnect, a dynamic, new green technology business facilitator, launched today, with Zac Goldsmith as the keynote speaker..

ecoConnect’s objective is to help promote and commercialise innovative, transformational green technology to the UK’s corporate and business world. These technological solutions will be showcased through regular events in London and across the UK. The ecoConnect online portal will provide news and information on all aspects of green technology in addition to partnership opportunities, contacts and business reviews.

Robert Hokin, Chief Executive of ecoConnect, says: “Environmentally-friendly technology is the key to reducing our carbon footprint. The launch of ecoConnect will promote creative and innovative technological solutions and make them widely available in the UK and elsewhere. There is clearly a hunger within the UK’s business community to implement eco technology and there are scores of practical solutions and great ideas but unless they find a pragmatic way to market many will disappear without a trace. It is ecoConnect’s job to help integrate green technology into our lives. We may blame past technology for creating today’s environmental challenges but I am absolutely convinced that green technology will help us shape a better future.” He adds, “It is an honour to have Zac Goldsmith as our keynote speaker. He has been a committed supporter of environmental causes for many years and it is a privilege to have him at the ecoConnect launch.”

Zac Goldsmith, environmentalist and director of "The Ecologist" magazine, told Eco:

“The good news is that every step we need to take is already being taken by someone, somewhere. In energy, buildings, waste, food and farming, there are already examples of genuine best practice. We now need to transform today’s best practice into tomorrow’s norm. EcoConnect is an organisation that will help turn eco ideas into commercial reality, and is very much needed.”

The event provided an opportunity to look at twenty or so exciting examples of green innovation. Among transport innovations on show will be the hydrogen fuel cell ENV motorcycle and the Lightning Electric Car. These two high end designs look gorgeous, are emissions free and almost silent. There will also be a preview of the prototype wind turbine from Stormblade which is considerably smaller, more efficient and quieter than the current generation.

EcoConnect is a forum which unites the eco technology arena: executives responsible for sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives; entrepreneurs from green and clean technology companies and investors; political leaders and advisors; government development councils; policy makers, scientists and academics.

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Capitalism in Crisis

11th October 2008

The crisis in the financial markets is unfolding rapidly, and highlights the surreal world of virtual money, sale and re-sale of debt as a commodity, hedge funds gambling on market movements, and global interconnectedness. Barely a day is passes without the collapse of a major bank or insurer, or the merger of institutions that have lasted for decades, only to succumb to the present turmoil. Lehmans has gone bust, AIG, Freddie Mae and Freddie Mac have been effectively nationalised by the US government, Merrill Lynch has merged with Bank of America, HBOS is disappearing into the arms of Lloyds. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have had to rebrand. Who will be next? Last week alone the FTSE dropped by 20%, as blind panic set in. How low will share prices go?

As national governments try and bail out the banks, the national debt grows ever larger. The debt clock in America's Times Square has run out of digits having exceeded the trillions. The next stage is a quadrillion, and at the rate that they are going the debt may reach a googolplex, the largest named number!

For years the traders in London, New York and elsewhere have made their fortunes in a world with little connection to the lives of ordinary people, disconnected to the ecological crisis of diminishing biodiversity, the peaking in the supply of raw materials, inflating food prices, and surging world population.

The crisis now engulfing the markets is a sign that capitalism is being brought back to reality. The Earth's resources are finite, and the market correction is a reminder of that fact. There is only so much to go round, and as world population continues to soar, the share for each of us will decline.

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Click 4 Carbon

20th September 2008

Click4Carbon.com the environmentally conscious search engine and online community, has announced its global launch. Click4Carbon uses Google’s technology and helps individuals, schools and businesses offset their carbon footprints by offering informative advice. Profits generated from usage of the site are then used to fund worldwide forestation projects. Click4Carbon is the only environmentally friendly search engine to use Google’s technology. Their forestation projects are managed by the Plant-A-Tree-Today (PATT) Foundation. Users have access to traditional Google functions such as categorising searches by websites, images and videos as well as being able to download a Click4Carbon search tool bar. In addition, website owners have the option of adding a Click4Carbon search box to their sites.

Click4Carbon.com is also an online community and forum which promotes environmental awareness and practical advice on how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint. This includes a Carbon Calculator which can offer an indication of users’ impact on the environment. Following calculations based on volunteered information on transport, recycling and home energy circumstances, the calculator offers users a potential carbon savings target.

John Russell, co-founder and director of Click4Carbon with his wife Claire, told Eco:

“As a couple with two young children we were becoming increasingly concerned about our impact on the environment and we started to look actively at how we could reduce our own carbon footprint. Like many families up and down the country we realised there are no easy answers and you can’t suddenly become ‘green’ overnight. The philosophy we adopted was to think big and act small. Both my wife and I work in an office environment and we noticed that we are always using search engines and that’s where the idea for Click4Carbon came from.”

“The principle behind Click4Carbon is to offer users one simple means of reducing their footprint through an everyday activity that they already do. We are not trying to reinvent the wheel – Google is by far the most popular search engine in the world – all that we want to do is provide users with that same experience but with a different goal in mind. Click4Carbon is our way of trying to make a difference.”  

Read an article by the founders of Click4Carbon, and Eco's interview

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Global Monopoly

21st August 2008

A new world edition of the popular board game Monopoly has been announced, with the cities featured on the board chosen by a public vote. More than 5.6 million votes were cast for 70 cities worldwide to determine which 22 would be featured in the new game.

"The classic version of the game has been around for over 70 years and it will still exist for many, many more," Helen Martin, vice president of global marketing for Monopoly at Hasbro, the game's makers, told Eco. "It's a way to take a trip around the world and experience some of the cities that they'd love to visit as a family. Where else could you buy Sydney and London and maybe even trade it to own New York?" she said.

The 22 cities that earned spots on the board are: Montreal, Riga (dark blue property group); Cape Town, Belgrade, Paris (green); Jerusalem, Hong Kong, Beijing (yellow); London, New York, Sydney (red); Vancouver, Shanghai, Rome (orange); Toronto, Kiev, Istanbul (magenta); Athens, Barcelona, Tokyo (light blue), and Taipei and Gdynia, Poland (brown).

The new edition of the board game will be available in stores later this month.

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Ecover in Print

    

Ecover first to use unique  new Responsible Print tracking service for their Watercare information leaflet

22nd July 2008

Brighton based print management company Four Corners has created a free reporting service for print buyers which highlights measurable environmental benefits for any print job – giving peace of mind to both brands and consumers.

This service has been used for the first time by cleaning product company Ecover. Ecover have formed a 3 year partnership with WaterAid to provide sustainable access to safe water for communities in rural Ethiopia. The partnership will be featured on-pack, giving consumers the chance  to order  a free Warercare pack, which will include a leaflet informing them about the partnership and encouraging them to use water wisely at home in the face of worldwide shortages. This leaflet will feature the unique tracking service which records the entire lifecycle of a printed item  – from paper source and print process to delivery and use.  

When a print job fulfils the strict environmental criteria of Responsible Print it will obtain a unique reference number. The Responsible Print logo and stamp of approval is displayed discreetly on the printed material, enabling anyone to go online, input the number and view the environmental savings resulting from the print buying decision.

“The Responsible Print scheme focuses primarily on environmental benefits achieved by print buyers and brands making a positive choice and producing marketing material in a sustainable way. Often print buyers who opt for FSC paper or insist on vegetable based inks think they have done enough, but Responsible Print looks at the bigger picture and takes the whole supply chain into account. This is particularly relevant to ethical and environmental organisations who wish to promote their products and services without harming the environment, in line with their ethical commitments.” says Lena Johansson of Four Corners Print. She also says “We are especially proud that Ecover supports our new initiative with such a high profile publication.”

The service is completely free of charge and it is hoped will become widely used.  The Responsible Print scheme is currently available exclusively from Four Corners who are delighted that Ecover has become the first organisation to recognize the importance and benefit of showing complete transparency to the public in their choice of printed material.  The WaterAid brochures have been printed on 9 Lives 55 Silk supplied at a special rate by The Paper Company, leading suppliers of environmental printing papers in the UK. Four Corners have passed on the saving in the form of a donation to Ecover’s WaterAid project.

Clare Allman, Marketing Manager for Ecover UK says “we’re delighted to be working with Four Corners unique tracking scheme.  We take a wide variety of ecological criteria into consideration with every decision we make so it’s fantastic to be able to tell our consumers the environmental benefits of our printing choices.”

To see the Ecover/Water Aid environmental report simply click on www.fourcornersprint.co.uk or www.responsibleprint.info and input the code GDA570382.

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ECOSOAPIA - a new range of 100% organic liquid soaps

 

Ecosoapia Hand & Body Wash is a new range of 100% organic (soil association certified) liquid soaps made from the purest natural ingredients using organic oils and plant extracts.  Available in seven scents, all products will smooth and condition your whole body, whilst being completely free of any chemicals, toxins or harmful preservatives. 

 

As a product which is used regularly, it is essential to use a body wash which helps regain skins’ moisture and is kind to skin.  The absence of nasty chemicals that are found in many soaps and the subtle scents make Ecosoapia ideal for frequent use.  Offered in minimal packaging, the soaps are an affordable, everyday luxury.

 

The range includes seven varieties:

 

• Rose Geranium is purifying and calming, the traditionally English scent is the ultimate feminine luxury
• Lavender is the most relaxing scent.  Its calming properties will enable a good night’s sleep if used before bedtime
• Almond is for those with a sweet tooth.  The warm, sweet and sensuous scent is perfect for anytime
• Tea Tree includes antiseptic and antibacterial oil which will wash away all germs whilst leaving skin soft and smooth
• Eucalyptus can be used to clear heads.  It will give a lighter and brighter start to the day
• Peppermint is a fresh and clean scent which will help in giving that extra kick in the morning
• Unscented is for those with especially sensitive skin.  Free from essential oils, it will keep skin silky without giving any irritation

 

Ecosoapia uphold their environmentally friendly philosophy by using minimal packaging and donating 10% of all profits go to Iracambi (registered charity) to help conserve the rainforest.  Ecosoapia has also been included in the “Good Shopping Guide” which only promotes ethical products and companies. 

 

Using soaps will no longer be simply to keep your skin fresh, clean and smooth but also to help preserve the world in which we live!

www.ecosoapia.com

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Eco Friendly Masonry Cleaning

27th May 2008

New Biodegradable solution to oust acidic hazard on UK building sites

MASONERY cleaning is a job that requires a certain amount of practice and normally a few gallons of brick staining, flower killing, skin burning hydrochloric acid, but now a London-based brick-cleaning specialist is to change the face of the profession with a new green alternative.

Tensid UK, a leading masonry cleaning company, has today officially launched a new cleaning solution – called SAFETY KLEAN – that will provide far better results for construction companies and house builders, whilst protecting the environment. This announcement follows successful trials with Norwest Interserve and Miller Homes.

Simon Woolf, director of New Brick Clean – the company who trialled Safety Klean on behalf of Tensid, explains "We've worked directly for many large and prestigious building developers over the years, cleaning away any site soilings from the brickwork of new properties."

"The industry standard cleaning solution is a hydrochloric acid based cleaner which can stain the mortar, metal and uPVC features, damage the shrubs and trees and can even contaminate the ground water. It is also harmful when in contact with the skin."

"Alternatives were very thin on the ground and, in most cases were ineffective. We were naturally delighted when Tensid approached us to trial the new solution. We knew that there had to be a better and safer way to accomplish this task and – thankfully – this trial soon became an outstanding success for us."

Developed in the US and licensed exclusively by Tensid UK, 'Safety Klean' is a biodegradable solution that will complement and add value to any new build project.

"Safe Klean isn't just the product name, it’s the whole philosophy,” concluded Turk. ‘We are delighted that Safety Klean can offer our clients superior cleaning capabilities, whilst achieving environmentally friendly ‘green’ objectives at the same time!’

Features of Safety Klean:

Synonymous with high quality effective, environmentally responsible products, technical advice and renowned customer service, Tensid can now deliver Safety Klean direct to any site in the UK and recommend specialist brick cleaning contractors.

New Brick Clean Ltd,

North East Business And Innovation Centre
Wearfield
Sunderland Enterprise Park East
Sunderland
Tel: +44(0)845 050 9713 Fax: +44(0)845 050 9714
Visit: http://www.newbrickclean.co.uk/

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T-Shirts for Eco-Chics

Bamboo? It's not just for pandas!
But it’s not just the tongue-in-cheek graphics that have an eco-friendly edge, it’s the actual fabric of the garments themselves. The whole range is made from a mix of naturally sustainable bamboo and organic cotton. And as an added bonus, when the garment finishes its useful life, it can return to nourish the earth, as it is 100% biodegradable!

Why is this type of fabric a more environmentally-friendly option?
Bamboo is the most sustainable of all natural fibres. It is extremely fast-growing – the type of bamboo used for making these T-shirts, commonly known as Moso, can reach a mature height of 75 feet in just 45 to 60 days. And because of its natural antibacterial properties, it needs no pesticides. Bamboo regenerates through an extensive root system that sends out an average of four to six new shoots per year. It can be harvested and re-harvested, and will grow again and again.
Combined with 30% organic cotton – a cotton grown with natural fertilizers and free from toxic chemicals – the T-shirts are cool in summer and warm in winter. The fabric is also high in the comfort stakes, as bamboo fabric is lighter and much softer than conventional cotton. It feels like silk, but has the advantage of being machine-washable. The fabric is hypoallergenic, absorbent, fast drying and like other natural fibres, it allows the body to breathe as the fabric absorbs the perspiration away from the body.
And for the fashion-conscious, the hand printed T-shirts are slim-fitted style with a scooped neckline and raw edged sleeves that will curl up nicely as the garment ages, achieving that that essential vintage look. The Tees are available from £22 in Small, Medium and Large sizes in a vibrant colour palette of Leaf Green, Black, White and Red. To check out the full range and buy on-line: visit www.magicbean.co.uk

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Eco Financing

Eco Financing is a new site offering a range of ideas and articles on grants, funds and savings for all things eco in the home. There are sections on the site about finance, grants and funds, the home, outside of the home, travel and water. There are lots of ideas for saving money at the same time as being green, with useful references to some of the grants that are available for insulation, and they have a monthly newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest information. Well worth a visit.

http://www.ecofinancing.co.uk

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Climate Counts

Climate Counts is a new organisation established by Gary Hirshberg, who is the man behind the American success story that is " Stonyfield Farm" organic yoghurts. Climate Counts monitors which companies are taking climate change seriously, by giving them a rating, and encourages consumers to make informed choices in order to influence how companies behave. They look at four variables: whether a company is measuring its carbon emissions, whether it is reducing them, if it is reporting them, and if it is pushing for progressive legislation.

Gary is a man on a mission, and he is in the processing of launching his new range of "Stony" yoghurts in the UK.

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"No" to Plastic, "Yes" to Fairtrade Jute and Cotton

With the start to New Year now fading to a distant memory, you may feel that your New Year’s resolutions are heading the same way. According to a recent survey by Sky Real Lives, green issues feature highly in people’s resolutions but 70% of those, expected failure on their part.

So why does this failure happen and why do people expect it? "People look at New Year’s resolutions as the chance to do something they keep meaning to do or something that they see as being beneficial to them. The problem arises when people try to take on too much at any one time and realise they can’t juggle all of their commitments. Those that they feel to be of less importance go out the window", says Kate, Founder of Only Fair.

With this in mind, Kate says "I recommend not calling or thinking of them as resolutions – it guarantees failure in my books and those of many people I know! Instead, make a small change here and there and it’ll soon become second nature."

For 2008, Only Fair is urging everyone to reduce their plastic bag usage.

Searching the Internet with the words "plastic bags", will inundate you with pages of facts and figures. In the UK alone, shoppers are issued with over 13 billion bags every year – that’s 220 per person. With only 1 in every 200 plastic bags being recycled, the majority end up in landfill sites, taking hundreds of years to break down.

With people being more eco conscious, now is the time to become fairtrade conscious too. Only Fair have a range of fairtrade cotton bags which fold down perfectly to fit into your handbag so you never need to get caught short for those unplanned purchases. Alternatively, they have jute bags, which are ideal for the weekly food shop. Either way, there’s no excuse to be caught short and accepting a plastic bag again! Consumers can rest assured that not only are they reducing their impact on the environment but the producers that make the bags receive a fair price and safe working conditions.

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eCube launched for fridges

The eCube is an energy and cost-saving device that fits to refrigeration units. It aims to cut consumption by 35% and costs £35 plus VAT, less if bought in bulk. The device fits to the fridge's thermostat and works by ensuring that the motor only cuts in when it is really needed. The eCube is aimed mainly at the retail sector where the biggest savings are to be made, and needs an engineer to ensure correct fitting. One London business reckons it is saving £17,000 a year as a result of fitting the device to its fridges.

Link to BBC feature

Link to eCube website I

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