London consumers are now putting environmental concerns high on their priority list when making a purchase, it has been revealed by Envirowise.
The 'Luxury to Landfill' research found that more than a third of those polled would favour an electronic or electrical product which has been designed with either a low environmental impact (39%), or minimal packaging (38%), or recyclability (36%) in mind.
And individuals are equally concerned about such products when they are ready to dispose of them, with 35% of consumers polled saying they take unwanted items to a recycling centre or rubbish tip.
A further 36% make sure their items are reused, by donating them to friends, charities or selling them via the Internet or a local newspaper - helping London tackle its waste mountain which currently sees 3.1 million tonnes heading into landfill each year.*
Significantly, local businesses can profit from this shift in the public mood by embracing 'cleaner' design principles, says the Envirowise Regional Manager for London, Markus Herz.
"It is encouraging to see that electronic and electrical items are being bought and disposed of with an increasing awareness of their environmental impact. Businesses should be assessing the design and packaging of their products now, to identify a cleaner, more cost effective approach at all stages of the lifecycle.
"Envirowise can help companies identify significant cost savings in this area, as well as provide information and advice on legislative compliance."
These findings are timely given the recent introduction of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive and the imminent Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, which have each prompted manufacturers in particular to re-consider the way products are designed.
"The Design Council found that at least 80 per cent of the quantities and costs of materials and utilities required to manufacture electrical and electronic products are locked in at the design stage itself," continues Markus.
"More sustainable practices will allow cost efficiencies to be identified early on - as well as trigger innovations that could help companies compete in this increasingly environmentally-savvy marketplace."
For more information on cleaner design, businesses can visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call the free, confidential Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
For more information on cleaner design, businesses can explore the rest of the Envirowise website or call the free, confidential Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794.
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley. Media Contacts: Lucy Rickett or Rod Dennis at Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311.
* Source: Defra, Municipal Waste Management Survey 2003/4
Notes to Editors
About the research
The survey was conducted for Envirowise by Tickbox.net, with a sample size of 2621 consumers, of which 269 were in London.
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact.
Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales only) delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms, to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call 0800 585 794.
About the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
More information is available at the DTI website.
About the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive
More information is available at the DTI website.