Print

Print


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]