Using materials from sustainable sources and promoting products which help people reduce consumption
Where do we need to be?
We have reached and passed ‘peak stuff’.
Repair, recycle and re-use are becoming the norm.
The embodied carbon, future adaptation and re-use / recyclability of construction materials is a consideration for every new development.
Where are we now?
We are reaching ‘Peak Stuff’.
Clothing consumption in the UK is rising, with the fashion industry ranked fourth in terms of negative environmental impact.
In the UK, construction, demolition and excavation account for 60% of material use and waste generation.
Community Freecycle events take place several times each year and are becoming an established part of what happens in Bruton.
One Planet Bruton’s ‘Stitch It Don’t Ditch It’ sessions promote skill-sharing and prolonging the life of clothing.
Local Facebook and WhatsApp groups share resources and information about how to repair, recycle and either pass or sell things on. There are monthly Repair Cafés in neighbouring towns.
The Library and Brainwave shop both contribute to reduction in unnecessary consumption.
What do we need to do?
Continue to support and promote existing initiatives.
Any refresh of the Town Council’s planning policy should include the need for developers to take embodied carbon and future-proofing of their build into account.
