We must build momentum beyond plastics Firstly I promise to keep this short, as I am about to head off on a family holiday, and secondly events over the last few weeks have left me in a reflective mood. 1 comment
One in, one out at Defra may spell trouble ahead Ever since Michael Gove revealed his ambition to become the next Conservative leader I knew he wouldn’t stay on long as environment secretary, regardless of the outcome of the leadership contest.
War on plastic or a war on waste? Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Anita Rani’s War on Plastic might be critiqued for presenting a somewhat one-sided view of plastic waste in the UK and the solutions around it.
The resources industry holds the key to a sector deal for green industry in the UK Those of us working in the resources and waste sector don’t have too much difficulty defining the sector or its component parts.
Who's really responsible for the litter we produce? With the first round of consultations on the government’s Resources and Waste Strategy out of the way there is now time to reflect on the many questions they have raised.
Looking to the future I was hoping the only form of turbulence, if any, I’d experience this summer would be caused by a plane taking me to a hot, sunny country.
Four simple ways to improve the PRN system Hidden towards the end of Defra’s recent consultation on the reforming of the UK packaging producer system were some very interesting questions that relate equally to the current legislation and the future system, whatever it may be.
What does Theresa May's legacy mean for the waste and recycling sector? As Theresa May signs off her premiership PLMR’s Patrick Cousens looks back on her time in office, and analyses what her latest environmental commitment will mean for the waste and recycling sector. 1 comment
The sustainability balance for supermarkets The negative impacts of climate change are widespread, with David Attenborough calling it a ‘catastrophe’, Swedish schoolgirl climate activist Greta Thunberg labelling it an ‘existential crisis’ and calls for rapid action across all industries.
Has Defra been too ambitious? There’s a lot going on right now with regards to shaping future waste and resources policy. Last
Is England’s planning system able to cope with the demands of the new Resource and Waste Strategy? The last 20 years has seen the UK switch from being landfill dominated, to one which has a healthy mix of recycling and energy recovery. 1 comment
After the protests is an opportunity for action Extinction Rebellion’s climate change protests in London and elsewhere have focused attention on an issue that is everyone’s business, including, of course, the waste management industry.
Collaboration takes the fight to waste criminals As the independent Noel Report outlined in November 2018, the involvement of organised crime in the waste sector is an increasing problem and many stakeholders agree on the need for a more strategic and collaborative approach in tackling it.
The UK waste sector can play a pivotal role on the climate change debate The last few weeks have seen media attention return (hopefully not for a limited time only) from Brexit to global climate change.
Industrial explosions in China showcase the true cost of incorrect chemical storage The industrial explosion at a pesticide plant in eastern China in March was a harrowing message to the worldwide hazardous waste industry on the importance of correct chemical storage.
We must pay more than just lip service to see real environmental change The second annual Global Recycling Day, held on 18 March, invited us all to think about just how much we can be doing to effect positive environmental change.
A drop in the ocean for the fight against plastic Last month, the second annual Global Recycling Day was held.
Let's look after ourselves Wellness is a buzzword which often gets thrown about. From corporate tweets trying to develop a friendly face to teabags and massages, the phrase has now incorporated a new phase of ‘selfcare’ both in and out of the workplace.
Consultation time ticks on, are you ready and are you willing to share? Time really does fly in our sector right now, and I would rather be busy than idle.
The rules of commuting are changing for the better I started in the waste and resource sector in the 1990s and since then it has evolved significantly, driven by changes in regulatory and policy requirements, the introduction of new technology and swings in the global geo political landscape.
Surplus food must be a regulated resource In the government’s Resources and Waste Strategy, the unnecessary disposal of food is a priority target in the aim to preserve natural materials, by reusing those already in the food chain.
Brexit isn't all bad, for waste policy at least News that Brexit will deliver “putrefying stockpiles” of rubbish (rather than piles of extra cash for the NHS) will have had the Daily Mail readers of Tunbridge Wells choking on their Tunnock’s wafers and tea in typical “outrage”.
The day job must still be delivered despite Brexit and policy change Even though my role requires me to lead on consultation responses, government liaison and external relations on behalf of SUEZ in the UK, I do over the course of the year spend quite a bit of time with clients.