https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/trade-union-bargaining-guide-resource-efficiency

A trade union bargaining guide on resource efficiency

reduce, reuse, recycle

Author

Jo Rees Policy Officer (Wales TUC Education)

Report type

Research and reports

Issue date

19 Feb 2024

Introduction

This guide is aimed at trade union green or environmental reps and other trade union representatives who want to work with employers and members to reduce the environmental impact of their organisation through reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.

In this guide the term ‘resource efficiency’ refers to using the planet’s limited resources in a sustainable manner, whilst minimising impacts on people and the environment.

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY - WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

WHY IS RESOURCE EFFICIENCY A TRADE UNION ISSUE?

The extraction of the world’s resources is responsible for almost half of carbon emissions and around 80 % of biodiversity loss. Resources are now being extracted from the planet three times faster than in 1970. This is despite the fact that the population has only doubled in that time.

Due to increased consumption and demand, we are extracting the world’s resources faster than they can be restored, and some are in danger of being exhausted. Waste and pollution are being released faster than the planet is capable of absorbing it or breaking it down in to something harmless.

A trade union bargaining guide on resource efficiency

Photo credit: iStock

This is an issue for us as trade unionists because it is not compatible with sustainable development. It is also a social justice issue. It is well-documented that the more economically developed countries in the global north consume far more of the world’s resources than countries from the global south.

Excessive resource consumption and the waste generated also creates health and safety issues for workers and the wider community both here and abroad. For example, the production of laptops requires the extraction of rare earth minerals and every year a huge amount of toxic electronic waste is shipped to the global south causing damage to human health and eco-systems.

Urgent action to improve resource efficiency and reduce waste is needed to help us stay within our ‘planetary boundaries’. It can help us to address the climate and nature crisis and support sustainable development for all.

The move to a ‘circular economy’

‘linear’ and ‘circular’ economic systems

This graphic illustrates the differences between ‘linear’ and ‘circular’ economic systems

The Ellen Macarthur foundation has produced a short ‘explainer’ video on the basics of the circular economy

Zero waste?

The term zero waste means that no residual waste to goes to landfill and everything is either re-used or recycled. Zero waste seeks to eliminate rather than merely manage waste.

Why do we need a zero-waste, circular economy?What is the current picture on workplace waste?

WHAT IS THE LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK ON RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND WASTE?

Welsh Government Circular Economy strategyWales zero waste targetsNew recycling regulations in WalesThe waste hierarchyPreventing pollutionSocial Partnership and the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015)

TOOLS AND SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE WASTE

EMS systems and accreditation schemesLife cycle assessments

TAKING ACTION IN THE WORKPLACE

Waste auditsApply the waste hierarchyProcurement and purchasing reviewReview the organisation’s own products and processes (where applicable)Engaging with membersMaking a plan and setting targetAwareness raising

NEGOTIATING FOR CHANGE: MAKING THE BUSINESS CASE

Cost savingsCompetitiveness and access to new opportunitiesSecurityReputation and legal complianceAdvice and support is available

RESOURCE EFFICIENCY/WASTE - ACTION PLAN

Step 1: ResearchStep 2: EngageStep 3: PlanStep 4: NegotiateStep 5: Consolidate

SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION

Welsh Local AuthoritiesWRAP CymruBusiness WalesWG circular economy strategyCircular Communities CymruWales RecyclesEllen MacArthur FoundationFareShare CymruLibrary of thingsRepair cafesZero waste schoolsCommunity wood recycling

Food waste – what are the issues?

Food waste – what are the issues?

Urgent action is needed on food waste. Food waste has huge economic, social and environmental impacts.

The UN estimates that around one third of the world’s food is lost or wasted, and production of this wasted food generates 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions. That is more than is produced by any individual country, except the US and China.

Food Waste

Photo credit: iStock

Food waste releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. And that’s not the only problem. Throwing food away also means that all the resources that have been used to produce it have been wasted. This can include things such as the water and land that have been used as well as transport and packaging.

Research has found that just under 30 per cent of people in the UK don’t see a link between food waste and climate change.

Most food waste happens at home, but it’s a problem in workplaces too. And things like long working hours, shift work, long commutes and poor work-life-balance can have a knock-on effect on food waste at home.

Because they can mean that people don’t have enough time to plan and prepare meals to reduce waste. Food waste is also hurting people’s wallets. An average family throws away more than £700 worth of food per year.

The impact of food choices

As well as the food we waste, the types of food we choose to eat can have a big impact on the environment too. The British Dietetic Association has produced a helpful fact sheet about sustainable diets and also has a handy list of quick tips on getting started.

Does your workplace have a canteen or organise events with catering? There could be opportunities to make a difference by including more sustainable options in the foods offered.

FOOD WASTE – A CHECKLIST:

• Are management and members aware of the link between food waste and climate change?
• Does your workplace offer separate collection facilities for food waste? From 6 April 2024 all workplaces in Wales must collect food waste separately.
• What facilities are available for workers to store, prepare and consume food or drink while at work?
• Is there a workplace canteen, cafe or shop? How much food waste is generated and what action is being taking action to reduce food waste?
• Are there opportunities to contribute to food redistribution schemes? Community - fareshare.cymru Community Fridge circularcommunities.cymru/community-fridge and food sharing apps etc.
• Are there opportunities for onsite compositing?
• Does the workplace offer a good work-life balance and flexible working options?

FOOD WASTE RESOURCES:

The Wasting Food: It’s out of date campaign and www.lovefoodhatewaste.com have resources aimed at raising awareness with individuals

WRAP has a suite of free resources available on food waste prevention in the workplace.

WRAP Cymru It has a new ‘Food Waste Reduction Roadmap Toolkit’ aimed at organisations in the food and drink sector

And it has produced a specific food waste hierarchy

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