Inspiring Sustainability News April 17th 2023

Inspiring Sustainability News for You

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Inspiring Sustainability News from Vodafone

Vodafone UK and singer-songwriter Sam Ryder are collaborating to promote the purchase of refurbished mobile phones. Recent research reveals that 32% of UK citizens own a refurbished phone, and 24% are considering purchasing one. In response, Vodafone has extended its range of refurbished phones. By purchasing a refurbished phone from Vodafone Evo, customers can save an average of £324 and receive a 2-year warranty.

Recycling mobile phones is essential, considering that the number of smartphone users worldwide has grown by 34.32% since 2016, reaching 6.64 billion, which is 83.72% of the current global population. If only 20% of these devices are recycled, the essential components utilized in their production could be depleted within the next century.

Vodafone’s partnership with Sam Ryder aims to help price-conscious customers purchase “new” handsets through an ad campaign. In the past six months, searches for refurbished phones on Vodafone’s website have increased by 39%. The extended range of available refurbished handsets includes Apple and Samsung models, with additional refurbished handsets available from the end of April.

Inspiring Sustainability News - Vodafone and Sam Ryder are collaborating to encourage the purchase of refurbished phones
Vodafone and Sam Ryder are collaborating to encourage the purchase of refurbished phones

With mobile phones being the most popular second-hand or refurbished item among British citizens, Vodafone’s new recycling scheme is an excellent opportunity to make a sustainable choice. Well done to Maria Koutsoudakis and Vodafone for some inspiring sustainability news!

Inspiring Sustainability News from Greggs

Greggs, the UK’s leading bakery food-on-the-go retailer, has released its latest sustainability report, which details progress towards its 2025 sustainability goals, known as the “Greggs Pledge”. The pledge includes commitments to using 100% renewable electricity and achieving carbon neutrality by 2025. The company is also working towards net-zero operations by 2035 and value chains by 2040, aligning with the British Retail Consortium’s roadmap.

As Greggs approaches the halfway mark to its 2025 goals, the report reveals that the company has opened 789 Breakfast Clubs, feeding over 49,000 children every school day, and has reduced manufacturing food waste by 10%, with redistribution of unsold food increasing by a further 10% in 2022. Furthermore, the company has opened its first Eco-Shop, and sustainability solutions have been implemented from that shop in over 250 stores.

Looking forward from 2023, Greggs aims to implement sustainability measures in 400 shops, reduce food waste by a further 10%, and ensure that 98% of electricity usage comes from renewable sources. The company has also confirmed plans to publish new, science-based climate goals, based on data from the Carbon Trust.

Inspiring Sustainability News - Greggs has released its latest sustainability report and details of its next steps
Greggs has released its latest sustainability report and details of its next steps

Greggs’ Chief Executive, Roisin Currie, stated that the company is on track to meet its ambitious sustainability targets and is committed to initiatives that directly tackle climate change, reduce food waste and promote workplace diversity and inclusivity. Well done to Roisin and Greggs for more inspiring sustainability news for people to enjoy.

Inspiring Sustainability News from Laing O’Rourke

Laing O’Rourke, a major UK construction company, has announced that it will use low-carbon concrete for all new construction projects in the country. The company will replace conventional concrete with alternatives that incorporate industry by-products. Laing O’Rourke predicts that this switch will reduce carbon emissions by 28% compared to current concrete usage, equating to 14.4 million kgCO2e, equivalent to planting 94 hectares of forest.

The move comes as part of the company’s commitment to being a net zero company before 2050. It is also in response to the challenge of reducing scope 3 emissions in the built environment. Laing O’Rourke has collaborated with the University of Cambridge and Sheffield University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre on a research programme. Furthermore, the programme was funded by Innovate UK, to ensure that the low-carbon alternatives can act as a like-for-like substitute for traditional concrete.

The International Energy Agency forecasts that concrete production will increase by 12-23% by mid-century. This highlights the need for companies to reduce emissions from the sector. Laing O’Rourke is a member of the Climate Group’s ConcreteZero initiative. It aims to scale the demand and supply of low-carbon concrete. 

Inspiring Sustainability News - Laing O'Rourke has committed to the ongoing use of low carbon concrete
Laing O'Rourke has committed to the ongoing use of low carbon concrete

The initiative requires businesses to source only net-zero concrete by 2050. Before this, there are interim commitments covering 30% of concrete procurement volumes by 2025 and 50% by 2030. Well done to Cathal O’Rourke and the team at Laing O’Rourke for this inspiring sustainability news!

That’s a Wrap

It’s great to see companies like Vodafone, Greggs and Laing O’Rourke taking steps towards sustainability.  These are just a few examples of how businesses across various industries are taking action towards a more sustainable future. Inspiring sustainability news is happening all the time and you can join the Play It Green community to make your own! Stay up-to-date on eco news and connect with others who share your passion for sustainability.

If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to take your efforts to the next level, we encourage you to join the Play It Green community. For just £5 per month, you’ll have access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals and resources to help you make even more sustainable choices in your daily life. As well as that you will plant lots of trees and regift to a charity of your choice. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

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