The UK government has received bad ratings for its handling of waste and resources in a report by The Environmental Audit Committee. The report, in which environmental efficiency is scored on a red, amber and green basis, gives the UK government’s approach to “resource efficiency” an amber rating. The report warns that “the current way our economy consumes resources is not sustainable,” noting that the UK’s rate of recycling has plateaued at 43% and may miss its 2020 target of 50%.
The report states:
“We concluded that the Government’s approach lacks leadership, and that it must do more to ensure that the right conditions are in place so that many more businesses shift from a linear approach [to waste] to a circular one.”
The report recommends applying different levels of VAT to products depending on their environmental impact, recycled contents and potential for reuse. It also recommends giving tax breaks to businesses that repair goods or promote reuse, and the removal of trade barriers for remanufactured goods.
These proposals would be great news for the Furniture Donation Network, as we work to make waste management both sustainable and beneficial to good causes. Our scheme allows people to get rid of their unwanted furniture that’s still in good condition, and ensure that it will be reused. All the good quality furniture we receive is either donated to low income families, or sold and the profits ploughed back into our charity and its partners. If we can’t find a new home for items, we will always recycle them.
All our collection partners are as committed to social welfare causes as we are (we would not partner with them otherwise!) and will aim to make the collection process as convenient and easy for you as possible.
100% of our revenue goes to support charity, including the award-winning Recycling Lives Charity, which helps marginalised individuals return to independent living. If you have furniture that’s at the end of its life and you’d like it collected, try our sister collection scheme, Bulky Waste.
So, to take advantage of a great service which means you can help protect the environment, benefit charity, and get rid of unwanted furniture without even leaving your house, just fill in the green box on the right side of this page to begin.
