As another summer holiday draws to a close, thoughts turn to the new term’s school kit. Justin Mulcahy takes a look at what’s on offer to an ecologically-sound kid
School satchel
Made from recycled foil juice bags, this large shoulder bag with velcro closure and adjustable strap is a fun and unique product for the environmentally and socially conscious.
The bag is brought to you by PREDA (People’s Recovery, Empowerment Development Assistance Foundation), in the Philippines, a group best know for its campaign work and investigations into syndicates and paedophile rings sexually exploiting children. It also helps handicraft producers and small farmers throughout the Philippines prosper.
This particular product will only set you back £16.90 and forms part of Eco-Creation’s fantastic eco-school supplies range.
http://www.eco-creations.co.uk
Remarkable pads
Recycled pads from award winning company Remarkable are sure to appeal to any school kid aware of the environment: the covers are made from recycled juice cartons or car tyres and the lined paper inside is 100 per cent recycled. There are also rulers made from plastic cups and pencils that were once CD cases. Prices vary, but start from as little as £1.99 per pad, and every item carries the unique “I used to be…’ tagline, to help promote the recycling message.
(Also available at www.nigelsecostore.com)
Conscious steps
These stylish ecoSNEAKS are made with hemp, certified organic cotton, recycled plastics, plus recycled car and bike tyres. Many of this season’s ecoSNEAKS feature innovative details like stripes made from recycled inner tubes. Prices vary, but are no more expensive than your average trainer. The range caters for men, women and children.
Recycled Schoolwear
Marks & Spencer has an entire range of recycled schoolwear for environmentally aware students (and parents). Blazers made from recycled plastic waste cost between £15 and £30, skirts and trousers manufactured from recycled plastic bottles run from £8 and recycled polyester shirts start at just £3. There are even cosy recycled fleece jackets to top everything off for £7 to £14.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.