There’s never been a better time to help people repair, reuse and recycle stuff. From old fridges to other household appliances, we've been helping people repair and extend the lifecycle of their appliances for over 100 years.
This is what we do as a business, true, but it’s also become one of our core principles. The single best thing we can do for the planet is to repair or recycle things. The less waste, the less CO2 emissions, waste output and water usage required to build and buy new.
Repairing is one thing, but what about older appliances that you’ve either outgrown or need to leave behind as you begin a new chapter or move to a new home? Because sustainability has become a new way of living, thinking and doing, touching all aspects of our lives, we conducted a survey of people in the UK asking their attitudes on what to do with their appliances once they’re ready to move on. Whether that’s moving home or redecorating, do people consider alternatives to simply getting rid of their older appliances?
Our survey found that, when it comes to getting rid of old appliances, 58% of people said freecycling (which is to donate, recycle or swap an item) appeals to them because of the benefits to the environment. What’s more, when given the choice, 22% have already freecycled an old appliance, and 51% would do it but haven’t yet.
Watch our video to find out more
These figures aren’t isolated though. A survey on how consumers are embracing sustainability by Deloitte confirms that attitudes towards sustainable living has shifted, with more individuals committing to achieving sustainable goals. Deloitte’s survey found that 61% of people have limited their use of single-use plastic in the last 12 months and 30% have chosen brands because of their ethical practices and values.
So, as we continue to believe in the radical act of repairing and reusing appliances, how can we get more people on board? Our survey suggests that a lack of clarity is what’s stopping more people achieving their sustainable goals. 28% of people answered Domestic & General’s survey indicating they're hesitant to donate appliances simply because they don’t know how, and 17% of people can't take their item to be donated or charities in their area don’t collect.
This is why we're pleased to launch a new hub filled with advice and information on achieving sustainability with household appliances. We've partnered with the Reuse Network to raise awareness on why to repair and recycle, and how to do it.
Working with partner members across the United Kingdom, the charity work to help alleviate poverty, reduce waste and tackle climate change. In 2020, the reuse sector prevented 111,664 tonnes of products from going to landfill, resulting in 1.5 million households being helped across the UK. For more information, read the Reuse Networks Social Impact Report 2020.