Please forward to any colleagues who may be interested - Apologies for cross postings PROSPECTS FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES You are invited to a seminar taking place in Sheffield on Friday 4th May to discuss issues concerning how people acquire and maintain household appliances, how long they last, and what happens to them when they are discarded. This seminar will be of particular interest to researchers interested in the following: Green design / Sustainable product design Resource productivity / Eco-efficiency / Integrated product policy Sustainable waste management Producer responsibility, 'take back' and the WEEE Directive Product information / Green claims / Consumer policy Repair, reuse and the social economy Sustainable households Consumer attitudes and behaviour Cultures of consumption Speakers include Tim Cooper and Kieren Mayers, authors of the research report Prospect for Household Appliances which addressed these issues, with responses from Lindsey Addison (Domestic & General) and Prof. Chris Coggins. (University of Sheffield). The aim of the seminar is to discuss research and policy issues related to how we acquire, use and discard appliances. The implications for industry, consumers and government will all be addressed. The seminar takes place from 11.00-4.00pm on Friday 4th May at Sheffield Hallam University. There is a nominal charge (#7.35), which includes lunch and refreshments. Places are strictly limited to 40. If you wish to attend please send an Email by 13th April 2001 to [log in to unmask] For further information on bookings, travel directions and accommodation (if required) please telephone Rachel Shemmeld on +44 (0)114 225 3756. For further information on the seminar content telephone Tim Cooper on +44 (0)114 225 4838. If you are unable to attend but are interested in being part of a research network on issues related to the seminar please send an Email to [log in to unmask] The research for the report Prospects for Household Appliances, based on a survey of over 800 UK households, found that: Over 23 million appliances are discarded each year Nearly one half of consumers are dissatisfied with appliance life spans New waste collection and recycling processes are needed to meet EU waste targets Almost 40% of consumers rarely or never get products repaired Around a quarter of discarded appliances are reused For a copy of the report, please send a cheque for #15 to Urban Mines Limited, The Cobbett Centre, Village Street, Norwood Green, Halifax HX3 8QG (Email: [log in to unmask]). ...................................................................... Tim Cooper Centre for Sustainable Consumption Sheffield Hallam University Howard Street Sheffield S1 1WB Tel: +44 (0) 114 225 4838 Fax: +44 (0) 114 225 3343 Email: [log in to unmask]