Why waste matters?
Green Alliance's work on waste and resources
The premise of Green Alliance's work on waste and resources has been that waste, of any sort, is not an inevitability but a design flaw in our economic system. Waste starts as products, so we have to look to them for solutions.
Waste policy in the UK has been resolutely 'end-of-pipe', concerned almost solely with what to do with waste once it has been generated. It has hardly delved at all into how products and services can be designed to eliminate waste. And little has been done to connect our consumption patterns to the prospect of global resource crises, except where carbon is concerned.
Green Alliance's work has aimed to change this approach, galvanising more concerted action to influence the shape of the UK's future waste and resource policy.
Designing Out Waste 2010-2012
This theme of work built on previous Green Alliance projects, particularly Closing the Loop. We supported and advocated policy action, at UK, EU and international level, to drive smarter and greener products and services across their lifecycle.
Our aims:
to carry out in-depth policy research and analysis on materials security, ecodesign and the governance structures to drive and support a circular economy;
to draw on the knowledge and experience of our
Designing Out Waste consortium, a cross-supply chain group of project partners, to develop ambitious and workable policy propositions; and
to find innovative and effective ways of communicating with politicians, policy makers and the business community.
These aims were progressed through research, coalition building and advocacy. Green Alliance events and publications developed and presented our findings and recommendations.
More information and related links
Closing the loop
Green Alliance publications and events on waste and resources
Designing Out Waste consortium
For more information please contact Dustin Benton