News

Recycled cabinets from kitchen maker Schmidt

French kitchen and interior design company Schmidt has launched a new collection made using recycled materials, as customers are increasing pressure on kitchen manufacturers to offer eco friendly designs. The Origin range offers 100 per cent recycled wood carcasses and front panels, available in two colours. The look is practical, natural and warm with an industrial influence. Units are made from recycled melamine high density particle board, with distinctive woven, wood and metallic effects. 

 

New marine reserve for Galapagos Islands

The reserve, announced at COP26 in Glasgow, will create half of a proposed corridor called for by scientists that could connect protected areas of the Galapagos Marine Reserve with Costa Rica’s Cocos Island. And if that marine reserve is completed it would create a safe migration route for migratory endangered marine species such as hammerhead and whale sharks, and leatherback and green sea turtles.

Put on a jumper and turn down the thermostat

The Wear Warm campaign is launching after research from Utilita Energy showed that almost half of the nation’s homes are heated to 24 degrees centigrade for half the year - the same temperature as Barbados.
 
Based on 48 per cent of the UK’s homes being heated to 3 degrees higher than the recommended healthy heat (18-21 degrees), that's equivalent to an additional 13 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year - the same pollution generated by around seven million cars each year.
 

UK public concern over climate crisis at all time high

CAST's first poll of more than 1,000 UK adults found concerns over climate change were at an all-time high in the UK, with 45 per cent of respondents now reporting they are 'very or extremely worried'. This is an increase from 39 per cent in 2020 and 25 per cent in 2016. More than half agree 'drastic action' needs to be taken to tackle the climate emergency, with government action and individual behaviour change seen as the most important steps towards effective climate action.

E-waste: recycle, don't dump

A study by music Magpie visualises the monthly production of e-waste worldwide to demonstrate the true scale of the problem.

Research reveals the UK produces the equivalent of 51 Blackpool Towers of e-waste a month - that’s a staggering 133,141 tonnes of this waste. And it may come a surprise to find nearly 80 per cent of Brits don't know what e-waste is.

Per capita, the countries producing the most e-waste annually are:

Sustainable furniture production grows in US

US furniture manufacturers and retailers have responded to guidance that helps protect forests and contributes to the sustainable use of wood and other materials, according to a new report. The 2021 Wood Furniture Scorecard from the National Wildlife Federation and the Sustainable Furnishings Council assessed 118 furniture retailers on their wood sourcing policies. 

Cacao: whole fruit chocolate

UN launches #TheHumanRace against the climate crisis clock

To get the world racing against the climate crisis clock, the UN’s humanitarian office, UNOCHA, is launching #TheHumanRace – a global challenge for climate action in solidarity with people in the world’s most disaster-prone countries and those hardest hit by climate change.

The climate emergency is wreaking havoc across the world at a scale that people and humanitarian organizations on the front lines cannot manage.

Sustainability design and construction showroom opens in London

If we're to meet our net zero goals, our towns and cities must use far more sustainable materials than concrete and glass. So whether your project is small or large, domestic or contract, sustainability must be at its core as much as aesthetics - which is where the new Edge showroom can help. The approx 2,400 sq ft space covers three floors showcasing the latest green building materials and products, with collaborative workspaces and expert staff on hand to advise professionals and members of the public alike. 

Best cities for recycling

Top 15 greenest cities in the world, based on recycling rates:
 
1. Vancouver - Canada’s shining jewel when it comes to recycling, the city of Vancouver has increased its rate from 40 to over 60 per cent in just over a decade, with a goal of 80 per cent. The city does this by making recycling part of the circular economy and innovative schemes that reward businesses which upcycle or reuse materials.
 

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