What is a circular economy?

STEP ONE: REFUSE

Refuse: the first element of the 5 R's hierarchy. Learning to refuse waste can take some practice, but incorporating this step into your strategy is the most effective way to minimise waste. Talk to your supermarket, online store about over-packaging. refuse unnecessary product packaging and request reusable or returnable containers. If enough of us stress our opinions to vendors, they will change. 

STEP TWO: REDUCE

Reduce the use of harmful, wasteful, and non-recyclable products. Reducing dependency on these kinds of products results in less waste materials ending up in landfill and the associated negative environmental impacts. We recommend always using the minimum amount required to avoid unnecessary waste. For example, when printing a document, print double-sided to cut your waste output in half. Other commonly used items businesses can focus on reducing include single-use plastics, plastic packaging, organic waste, and Styrofoam cups. Begin to think about weather you really need the latest electronic gadget or fast fashion garment. You'll be surprised how much money you can save.

STEP THREE: REUSE

Single-use plastics have created a "throw-away" culture by normalising consumer behavior of using materials once and then throwing them away. The rate at which we consume plastics has become unimaginable, and the plastic crisis has become one of the world's greatest environmental challenges. In an effort to reduce waste, reuse items instead of buying new ones. Begin by focusing on one area of your household at a time, like kitchen, bedroom, etc then on specific area's such as IT, Phones, Fashion etc. Once you master one area, prioritise reuse for other products in your home. Again this is a great way to save money. 

STEP FOUR: REPURPOSE

For every item that can't be refused, reduced, or reused, try repurposing it. Many people in the green community refer to this method as upcycling. You may be surprised to learn how many common products serve more than one purpose. Sometimes it requires using some creativity, but the possibilities are endless. Try using wasted printer paper for scrap paper, cardboard boxes for storing supplies, binder clips to hold power cords and chargers in place, and even mason jars, coffee mugs, and tin cans for holding pens and pencils. Plastic containers make excellent planters. Encourage your family & friends to think of ways to your list of repurposed items Embrace technology to help find more ideas and new ways to repurpose your items.

STEP FIVE: RECYCLE

Last but definitely not least: recycle. Once you've gone through all of the other R's, recycling is the most environmentally friendly waste disposal method. If you Check with your local authority and begin to recycle. 

The manufacturing of a smartphone is responsible for a significant portion of its overall carbon footprint. While the exact amount can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturing processes, it's generally estimated that around 80% of a smartphone's lifetime CO2 emissions occur during the manufacturing phase.  

Mining raw materials: Smartphones contain various metals and rare earth elements, the extraction of which can be environmentally damaging and carbon-heavy.  

Manufacturing components: Producing the intricate electronic components requires significant energy and resources.

Assembly and transportation: Assembling the phone and transporting it to consumers also contribute to emissions.  

Therefore, when considering the environmental impact of a smartphone, it's crucial to look beyond just its usage and consider the substantial carbon footprint associated with its creation.

The Co2 cost of manufacturing each smart phone is as high as:

Fast Fashion What can we do?

Food Waste