Globally, we are wasting millions of tonnes of resources a year, as well as contributing over 2.12 billion tons of waste to our planets already overstretched landfills annually. This is because over 99% of the products we purchase are thrown away in less than 6 months of purchase, and with global recycle rates averaging below 50% of total waste being disposed of in landfills, it is no surprise new plans have been introduced to resolve our 'use it, bin it' mindset.

This time 2 years ago and despite apparent reservations about the reality of Global warming, 94 % of Americans said that they fully supported the idea of recycling products and at least 74% say they believe it should be a priority. This caused concern when the national recycling rates were recorded the same year as only 34.7% of Americans committing to recycling their household rubbish. Many argue that this wasteful lifestyle is due to poor infrastructure and lack of public understanding, however, the European Commissions Office claim it's because of manufactures ''premature obsolescence'' (which describes how goods are made with a deliberately low lifespan to force customers to purchase newer products).

As a reaction to this, the EU office has created a movement called the 'Right To Repair'', which has led to a revision of manufacturers standards as well new regulations to ensure products are being designed to last and that they're easily repairable if anything is to go wrong. These new rules will apply to many industries but currently, the focus lies on, mobile phones, textiles, electronics, batteries, construction and packaging.

Enforced measures such as using screws to hold parts in place rather than glue are being tested to help make products more easily repairable. The European Environment Bureau said; 'The strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the way we manufacture, use and dispose of our products in a way that benefits people and the planet." and have urged Europen politicians to stand with them to help support and implement these changes.

The EU also wants to introduce several other strategies under what's known as the '' Circular Economy Action Plan'', to improve our consumerism habits. Below are some of the other areas this body are hoping to tackle in the next few years -

• End Over Packaging
• Reduce Microplastic pollution
• Increase the amount of recycled produce used within products
• reducing the impact of products on the climate and environment
• providing incentives for a new type of consumer use where producers keep the ownership of the product or the responsibility for its performance throughout its lifecycle - similar to car rental.

So, why don't you jump ahead of the curve and enquire about bookings with Green Motion International, the only low emission car rental company that truly strives for a greener future.

Sources; https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-51825089