Environmental education and public education campaigns - Interzero report 2023
Environmental education and public education campaigns - Interzero report 2023
As Interzero Organizacja Odzysku Opakowań S.A. and Interzero Organizacja Odzysku Sprzętu Elektrycznego i Elektronicznego S.A., we carry out educational campaigns for entrepreneurs who have transferred their packaging recovery obligation to us as part of their statutory obligation. We invite you to read the report on our educational activities in 2023.
In 2023, we have been active in the area of implementing educational projects and campaigns aimed at both children and young people and adults, including businesses and consumers.
- As part of the project Eco-friendly without the frills, we educate Poles about ecology, environmental protection and waste segregation. We have realised 7 episodes of the podcast (also available in Apple Podcasts, YouTube i Spotify), and we were able to gather a wide reach on our social media profiles on Facebook i Instagram.
- EcoPakThe educational materials for schools, including lesson plans, colouring books, games and art materials related to raw materials, were distributed to the 120 nursery schools that were most active in the local authority campaign. Cycling in May.
- We have also developed our own educational game 'Action-fraction!which teaches young and old about correct waste segregation in an accessible way. The game was available at events supported by Interzero.
- As part of our collaboration with the Mamy Projekt collective, we became the content patron for one of the rooms of the newly opened education centre Turning point at 88 Jagiellońska Street in Warsaw, where children and young people learn the secrets of fast fashion and learn about packaging. We also support the travelling exhibition EcoExperimentarium, which was visited live by more than 13,000 visitors last year alone; and 499,000 online players.
- Together with the Museum of Photography in Krakow we realised The project "Closed Circuit. Waste in Photography", based on journalism and photography workshops, while with UNEP/GRID-Warsaw - the a series of workshops in the Royal Baths Park and an exhibition of 10 collages encouraging waste reduction. The exhibition can be hired via the Cooperative.
- We also organised many activities during the next edition of Zero Waste Fair, and we also provided content support for three themed days in the Kindergarten Calendar programme, run by the It's Simple Foundation and Intersnack in the 'Don't Throw Away, Use' programme.
- Once again, together with UNEP/GRID-Warszawa and the Czepczyński Family Foundation, we have become a partner in the educational program implemented by the Maspex Group. Winnie the Pooh friends of nature, which has been in operation for 16 years and has reached 10 million children.
As part of its business education activities, Interzero prepared 8 online training courses on reporting, changes dictated by the transposition of the SUP Directive or waste management, and other training courses available on the Interzero Academy platform. We also held the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Interzero Environmental Conference, for the first time in an open format, where we focused mainly on the topics of SUP and the establishment of a deposit system. Our experts appeared in debates and other publications from titles such as Forbes, MyCompany and Rzeczpospolita, as well as in trade magazines (Now Environment).
We encourage you to read the details of the report HERE.
Big changes in the German deposit system!
Big changes in the German deposit system!
From January 1, 2024, the German Pfandsystem also covers selected bottles of milk and similar drinks.
The German deposit system (Pfandsystem) has been in operation for almost 20 years and covers plastic bottles, aluminium cans and glass bottles. From January 1, 2024, it covers another group of packaging - from now on, German stores will charge a deposit of €0.25 for bottles of milk and similar drinks with a capacity above 0.1 L.
The new deposit includes, among others:
- Milk bottles;
- Milk-based beverage bottles;
- Bottles of cocoa and coffee drinks with milk content above 50%;
- Bottles of drinking yoghurt and kefir.
New regulations have been introduced by the largest German supermarkets. In its current form, the deposit system in Germany covers almost all non-returnable drinks in bottles and cans.
The Polish deposit system for returnable packaging will start in 2025. The deposit obligation will apply to single-use plastic bottles for beverages with a capacity of up to 3 L, reusable glass bottles for beverages with a capacity of up to 1.5 L and metal packaging for beverages with a capacity of up to 1 L. Interzero, together with the Polish Chamber of Packaging Recovery and Recycling, will create a deposit system - read more HERE .
Eco-friendly retail space in Janki Shopping Centre
Eco-friendly retail space in Janki Shopping Centre
Taking care of green urban spaces is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, such places attract huge numbers of people every day, which means that even small changes can have a big impact on the environment. Implementing modern solutions in a shopping centre, for example, can improve the level of waste segregation, increase the environmental awareness of visitors to the place, or save and reduce the costs of operating the building and its surroundings.
Education of the public plays a key role in promoting green practices. Shopping centres are an excellent place to communicate environmental awareness and the benefits of a green lifestyle. Through information campaigns, educational events or practical examples, people can be effectively made aware and visitors can be encouraged to make more informed consumer decisions.
ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance, is not just about declarations on social and environmental responsibility, but finally concrete and measurable actions. Increased pro-environmental measures can be seen in various sectors of the economy, including larger retailers such as Janki Shopping Centre.
The facility incorporates a range of solutions and investments that ultimately contribute to reducing the carbon footprint, saving resources and educating the public.
The commercial space has been designed in the spirit of #zerowaste - various eco-equipment can be used in the building, such as bicycle-loaders or solutions provided by Interzero - bottle machine, self-segregating bin i solar basket. The centre authorities also took care of the green areas around the building - insect houses and composters were used to preserve the biosystem.
As Interzero, we very much welcome initiatives that have a positive impact on the planet. We hope that other facilities of this kind in our country will also work on ecological retail space.
You can read more about the sustainable solutions used in Janki Shopping Centre in the article at the link: HERE
Check which eco-equipment can be useful in your commercial space!
Did you know that e-cigarettes may soon be banned?
Did you know that e-cigarettes may soon be banned?
According to a study conducted by the Institute of Economic Planning and Analysis (IPAG) on the sale of e-cigarettes, over 100 million disposable e-cigarettes were sold in Poland in 2023. At the same time, according to an article published in The Lancet, e-cigarettes pose an increasing challenge to our environment. The first problem is the generation of a significant amount of plastic, especially in the case of cartridges that are intended for single use and are made of hard-to-degrade plastics.
The second problem is electronic waste. Research conducted by the Material Focus organisation has shown that in the UK alone, 1.3 million such devices end up in landfill every week, even though they should be sent to e-waste collection points. Improper disposal of batteries and other components may lead to fires and environmental pollution.
Nicotine is also a problem, not only because it is addictive, but also because it is considered hazardous waste in some countries. Therefore, plastic containers in which liquids and e-cigarette cartridges are stored cannot be recycled.
At the end of January, the British government announced its plan to ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes, which will have a positive effect not only on the environment, but also on the health of the entire society. Last week, the Polish Deputy Minister of Health also announced that the possibility of a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes is being considered.
Source: https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/e-cigarettey-najlepsze-szkodliwym-dla-srodowiska-produktem-jaki-cześni-powstal , https://next.gazeta.pl/next/7,151003, 30672748,there will be a total ban on the sale of e-cigarettes-resort-health.html .
Amendment to the regulations implementing the deposit system in Poland and changes in waste management
Amendment to the regulations implementing the deposit system in Poland and changes in waste management
On February 14, a press conference was held during which the Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment, Anita Sowińska, talked more about waste management solutions, changes in the BDO system, as well as about the planned implementation from 2025. deposit system.
During the event, the Deputy Minister emphasised that the deposit system, as assumed, would be launched at the beginning of 2025, but we can expect amendments regarding the system operators. The representative of the ministry emphasised that these changes would only be "technical". This will concern obligations and documents submitted to control the system.
On March 5, there will be a consultation meeting with the industry, local government officials and trade representatives regarding changes to the Deposit Act. The deputy minister added that the deposit system, although it will start on January 1, 2025, "may happen that it will not be perfect from the very beginning, because the act requires some adjustments."
The deputy minister also informed about planned changes in the BDO system . The modernisation will respond to the main needs of users of this system. The changes will include, among others: development of the Report Module and introduction of new functionalities in the Account Management Module.
The press conference participants were also presented with the expanded composition of the of the Advisory Team on waste management solutions. The advisory staff will include: Lewiatan Confederation, UNEP/GRID-Warsaw, INNOWO Institute for Innovation and Responsible Development, Polish Chamber of Waste Management, Polish Recycling Association and the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, as well as more representatives of the entrepreneurs' side, mainly from the recycling industry, as well as non-governmental organisations and institutes.
Source:
https://zielona.interia.pl/smieci-plastik/news-system-kaucyjny-nie-ruszyl-a-juz-ma-byc-poprawka-wiceministr,nId,7335652#google_vignette
https://www.gov.pl/web/klimat/wiceministra-anita-sowinska-o-rozwiazaniach-w-zakresie-gospodarki-odpadami
Video: Dziennik Gazeta Prawna
As Interzero, we are happy to participate in debates and meetings with the ministry and industry representatives to better clarify our mutual needs and discuss current legal changes. We encourage you to read the summary of the debate "Deposit in a year, and the system in its infancy". on Dziennik Gazeta Prawna HERE , where Pawel Sosnowski, Management Board Representative for Environmental Regulations with Interzero had the opportunity to discuss issues related to the deposit system together with: Andrzej Gantner, Vice-President and General Director at the Polish Federation of Food Producers Association of Employers, Anita Sowińska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Joanna Kasowska, Director of Quality and Food Management Standards , Żabka Group; Filip Piotrowski, Climate Leadership, UNEP/GRID-Warszawa; Anna Larsson, Director of Implementation of circular economy models, Reloop Platform.
New report "Between plus and minus"
New Interzero report "Between plus and minus"
On the occasion of Battery Day, we are publishing a research report as part of the Eco Without Cuts campaign "Between plus and minus - what do Poles know about batteries and how do they deal with their segregation?". The results are surprising. Despite being aware of the obligation to separate waste collection, many of us still fail to comply. Poles perceive batteries as harmful both during production and during storage. They also considered recycling to be dangerous to the environment. Despite many fears about batteries, we do not give much thought to the power source in our devices.
Never before in history have we produced and consumed so many batteries. According to forecasts by McKinsey & Company, their market will grow at 25% per year and, in the case of lithium-ion cells, could reach 30% of annual growth by 2030. This demand is being driven by the development of portable digital technologies, energy banks or electromobility, among other things. With this rapid progress of the battery industry, the question arises about the future of managing this new waste.
In our latest study entitled "Between plus and minus" We asked about Poles' habits regarding separate collection of waste, including hazardous waste. We also wanted to know their motivations and beliefs regarding battery recycling. The fact that a significant proportion of the respondents know how to handle used batteries correctly in their declarations is a positive sign. However, serious doubts arise when it comes to more specific questions. The lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of recycling batteries and concerns about the harmfulness of this process are particularly noteworthy. The fragility of supply chains and the limited deposits of raw materials in the European Union mean that we should treat used batteries and accumulators as a strategic resource. In fact, the lithium, nickel, manganese and graphite present in the cells are of critical importance. Obtaining these elements, regardless of the source, is expensive and risky, and substituting them in technologies at this stage of development seems simply impossible. The importance of recycling in this context is therefore both a measure to protect the environment and to ensure the security of Europe's raw materials.
What is also surprising in the "Between plus and minus" report is the group of young adults who were found to be less inclined towards ecological behaviour than older adults. Respondents under the age of 35 are not only less likely to separate waste, but are also more likely to doubt the sense of recycling. It is the responses of this group that should particularly stimulate reflection on the effectiveness of educational and legislative measures to date.
You can find out more from the press release HERE.
Entrepreneur! Remember about the annual BDO fee!
Entrepreneur! Remember about the annual BDO fee!
February 29 is the deadline for paying the annual fee for entry into the BDO in the amount of PLN 100 (micro-entrepreneurs) or PLN 300 (entrepreneurs other than micro-entrepreneurs). The fee should be paid to the account of the marshal's office competent for the company's registered office or place of residence.
Failure to pay the fee will result in removal from the Database on Products, Packaging and Waste Management (BDO) , and the business activity will be subject to a high financial penalty!
Entrepreneurs are subject to registration and annual fees:
- introducing electrical and electronic equipment and authorised representatives,
- introducing batteries or accumulators,
- introducing vehicles,
- producer, importer and intra-Community buyer of packaging,
- introducing products in packaging into the territory of the country,
- introducing tires into the territory of the country,
- introducing lubricating oils into the territory of the country.
Are you looking for support during the reporting period ?
Watch the free Interzero webinar "Everything you need to know about BDO".
More training at a favorable price can be found HERE
How do we perceive...waste? A few words about the project "Closed circuit. Waste in photography".
How do we perceive ... waste? A few words about the project "Closed circuit. Waste in photography".
Waste is substances or objects that people dispose of because they consider them unnecessary, used or hazardous. It can be, for example, food scraps, packaging, used batteries, chemicals or used electronic equipment. The emotions that they arouse in people can be varied and depend on many factors, such as environmental awareness, level of education or culture.
Today we are talking about the inevitable need for transformation and the impact of human activity in the areas of energy, agriculture, production, consumption and waste management. Each of these topics is pressing and our time is becoming increasingly limited.
As environmental educators, we face major challenges. We must not only impart knowledge, but also affect the emotions of our audience. This requires reflection, understanding and taking care of the participants in the educational process. Our work must be effective. Building public awareness is a process in which it is worth experimenting and involving different groups of people and a variety of topics.
As Interzero, representing the business sector, we decided to carry out a project with Museum of Photography in Krakow "Closed Circuit. Waste in Photography". The project envisaged a series of meetings that would result in photographs and texts freely referring to the theme of waste.
We would like to thank Maria Masternak and Anna Sidorska from the Museum of Photography in Krakow, workshop leaders Rafał Siderski and Krzysztof Story, all participants and our Project Manager Monika Krysztofińska.
We are very impressed with the results of this project. We are pleased that the subject of waste, is not only important to us, but also to the wider community, who believe that by acting together, much good can be achieved.
More information about the project can be found in a publication on Eco Without Borders: HERE
Fot. Mateusz Woźniak, Magdalena Niezabitowska Krogulec, Tomasz Orłowski, Marta Wróblewska
Did you know that one of the European countries can benefit 100 per cent? from renewable energy by 2025?
Did you know that one of the European countries can benefit 100 per cent? from renewable energy by 2025?
Since March 2016, no coal-fired power stations have been operating in Scotland. Then the Longannet power station, located north-west of Edinburgh, which had been operating since 1973, was closed. This means that after 115 years, Scotland has stopped generating electricity from burning coal.
Statistics show that the share of renewable energy in Scotland's total electricity consumption was 97.4%. in 2022, while a year earlier it was 90.1%. Scotland owes this result primarily to the development of onshore wind farms, which provided approximately 70%. of green energy in the country. The remaining 30 per cent provided offshore wind farms and hydroelectric power plants.
Scottish Renewables, the renewable energy industry association in Scotland, highlights how much progress has been achieved over the last decade. In 2011, the share of energy from renewable sources in the overall energy balance was only 37%.
The latest data shows that Scotland can benefit from 100%. from renewable energy by 2025 and even start transporting the surplus to other countries.
Plans include the installation and commissioning of a new wind farm of 60 SG 14-222 DD turbines for Moray West, an offshore wind farm owned by Ocean Winds, located off the coast of north-east Scotland in 2024. Each turbine will have an individual power of 14.7 MW; At the moment, it is the most powerful wind turbine ever created. Currently, Scotland is close to achieving the goal of full use of energy from renewable sources in the national electricity sector, and by 2030 the Scottish authorities plan to achieve a 50% share of renewable energy in the total consumption of electricity, heat and transport. The long-term goal is to achieve almost complete decarbonisation by 2050.
Made4Loop - the answer to the new SUP responsibilities
Made4Loop - the answer to the new SUP responsibilities
Although the era of free disposable cups is slowly coming to an end, the changes do not have to mean a chaotic revolution in the company.
From July 1, 2024, entrepreneurs selling drinks in disposable cups will have to provide their customers with alternative packaging that will be more environmentally friendly. This change aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste and is one of the most controversial legislative moves regarding environmental protection in recent years. Although for many it may seem like just another legal and office formality, business owners may lose sleep because it means the need to take decisive action and look for effective solutions.
Therefore, entrepreneurs may consider introducing reusable packaging or packaging made of other materials, including oxo-degradable plastics. Alternatively, they may decide to introduce a deposit system for reusable packaging, which would allow them to be returned and reused.
That is why the Interzero service was created, based on a deposit system for reusable packaging. The Made4Loop model involves the use of reusable cups and packaging, which customers rent for a deposit and then return via a deposit system. In this way, the packaging remains in a closed loop and is reused dozens, if not hundreds of times.
You can find out more in the press release HERE
We would like to remind you that on February 22 there will be a webinar during which Zbigniew Skowronek himself will talk more about the Made4Loop service from Interzero. Registration at the link HERE