Archives for Jack A

At Go Green Now, we talk a lot about the “Circular Economy” – the idea that we should design out waste, keep materials in use longer, and regenerate our natural systems. But there’s a tough question we often face: What do we do with the stuff that simply cannot be recycled?

A groundbreaking new report by WRAP (the global environmental action NGO) for enfinium has just been released, and it brings some exciting news for the UK’s green future.

The Reality Check: Waste is Rising

The global statistics are sobering. Since 2000, waste generation across OECD countries has jumped by over 100 million tonnes. Even more startling? Global waste volumes are projected to rise by over 80% by 2050.

Even here in the UK, under the best-case recycling scenarios, we are still forecasted to produce over 17 million tonnes of unrecyclable waste by 2042.

From “Take-Make-Waste” to “Value Recovery”

For a long time, unrecyclable waste had one destination: the landfill. Landfills are climate disasters, leaking methane and taking up precious space. The new WRAP report highlights that the UK is becoming a global leader in avoiding this “take-make-dispose” trap.

The secret? Energy from Waste (EfW).

When we can’t reuse or recycle a product due to technical or economic limits, we shouldn’t just bury it. Instead, well-managed EfW facilities (like those operated by enfinium) transform that “waste” into electricity and heat.

Why This Matters for our Green Goals:

1. Homegrown Energy: In 2025 alone, enfinium processed 2.7 million tonnes of unrecyclable waste, generating enough energy to power more than 600,000 homes.

2. Stopping Methane: By diverting waste from landfills, we prevent the release of harmful greenhouse gases.

3. The “Nothing Wasted” Philosophy: Even the by-products of energy recovery, like “bottom ash”, are being used in construction and industry.

A Balanced Future

As Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights and Innovation at WRAP, puts it: “Designing waste out of the system must remain the priority, but no circular system will ever be 100% waste-free.”

The goal isn’t to stop recycling; it’s to ensure that when recycling isn’t an option, we still extract every ounce of value possible.

What’s Next?

This report comes at a pivotal time. The UK Government is expected to publish its Circular Growth Plan for England in early 2026. This plan will provide a roadmap for moving our economy away from waste and toward a resource-efficient future.

At Go Green Now, we are encouraged to see the UK setting the standard for international best practices. Managing our “leftovers” responsibly is just as important as reducing what we buy in the first place.

What do you think? Are you surprised by how much energy our unrecyclable waste can produce?

How is your business contributing towards a circular economy in the UK? Let the world know by becoming a Go Green Now member today

A New Era of Clean Power: Why the Latest Record Auction is a Game-Changer for the UK’s Green Economy

The UK’s journey toward a clean energy future just hit a record-breaking milestone.

At Go Green Now, we ‘re always tracking the shifts that make a sustainable economy possible. This week, the results of the latest renewable energy auction (AR7a) have sent a clear signal: the green economy isn’t just growing – it’s surging.

With record-breaking capacity secured for onshore wind and solar, the message to investors and businesses alike is loud and clear: Clean British power is no longer the alternative; it is the foundation.

Breaking Records: The Numbers You Need to Know

The latest auction round has delivered a massive boost to the UK’s 2030 clean power mission. Here are the highlights:

• Total Capacity: A staggering 6.2GW of new clean energy projects.

• Solar Surge: A record 4.9GW of solar power projects were successful.

• Onshore Wind Wins: 1.3GW of onshore wind capacity, proving that this technology is making a powerful comeback in the UK energy mix.

• Cost Efficiency: Remarkably, the price for this new onshore wind and solar is over 50% cheaper than the cost of building and operating new gas power plants.

Why This Matters for Your Business and Home

This isn’t just about meeting climate targets; it’s about economic security. As Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband noted, backing these technologies at scale is how we “protect families, businesses, and our country from the fossil fuel rollercoaster controlled by petrostates and dictators.”

By shifting away from volatile international gas markets and toward homegrown, renewable sources, the UK is laying the groundwork for:

1. Lower Energy Bills: With renewables now significantly cheaper than gas, these projects will drive down costs for the long term.

2. Energy Independence: Reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels strengthens our national security.

3. Job Creation: These projects represent billions of pounds in private investment, creating thousands of jobs in communities across the country.

The Road to 2030: Challenges Ahead

While the auction results are a triumph, the green economy experts are also sounding a note of caution. Lucy Dolton, renewable generation lead at Cornwall Insight, highlighted that the “challenge now is delivery.”

To ensure these projects are operational in time for the government’s 2030 target, we need to see rapid progress in three key areas:

• Planning Reforms: Streamlining the process to get projects off the ground.

• Grid Connections: Solving the backlog to ensure new power can actually reach the homes and businesses that need it.

• Energy Storage: Expanding battery and storage capacity to manage the flow of renewable power.

Join the Movement

At Go Green Now, we believe that every step toward a cleaner grid is a step toward a more resilient and prosperous UK. This record-breaking auction shows that the momentum is on our side.

Whether you are a business looking to switch to a green energy provider or a consumer wanting to lower your carbon footprint, there has never been a better time to “go green.”

The transition is happening. Let’s make sure we’re all part of it.

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Stay tuned to the Go Green Now News Hub for more updates on the UK’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

Join Our Directory Today to boost your brands visibility, connect with like-minded businesses and to be seen for being sustainable.

Instead of the old “take-make-waste” model, a circular economy keeps resources in use for as long as possible. Today, we’re diving into some exciting news from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) about how the UK government is putting agriculture at the very heart of this green revolution.

The Big News: A Roadmap for 2026

The UK government has officially launched a new Circular Economy Taskforce. Their mission? To create a “Circular Economy Growth Plan” by early 2026.

This isn’t just a niche environmental policy, it’s a massive economic shift. The government has identified five “priority sectors” that have the biggest potential to reduce waste and boost the economy. They are:

1. Agri-food (That’s our food and farming!)

2. Textiles

3. Construction

4. Chemicals

5. Transport

By focusing on these areas, the government aims to shore up our supply chains, create “green” jobs, and move us significantly closer to our Net Zero targets.

Why Farming is the Secret Weapon

You might wonder why “Agri-food” is top of the list. As Environment Secretary Steve Reed put it, we need to “end the throwaway society.” In farming, nothing should really be “waste.”

The NFU has been clear: farmers are the original circular economists. For centuries, they have been “closing the loop” by:

• Nutrient Cycling: Using organic materials like manure and compost to fertilise crops instead of relying on energy-intensive synthetic chemicals.

• Soil Health: Treating soil as a living resource that needs to be replenished, not just used up.

• Water Sharing: Finding innovative ways to store and move water between farms to ensure nothing is wasted during droughts.

The “No One-Size-Fits-All” Approach

One of the most important points raised by the NFU’s Chief Environment Adviser, Dr. Diane Mitchell, is that circularity looks different on every farm.

A hill farm in the Lake District has different resources than a vegetable farm in the Fens. The NFU is pushing the government to ensure the new strategy is flexible. It needs to support local collaboration – where groups of farmers can work together to share data, resources, and equipment to reduce their collective footprint.

The Road Ahead

The Circular Economy Growth Plan isn’t just about being “green”, it’s about resilience. By reusing resources and reducing our reliance on expensive imports (like fertilisers and animal feed), we make our food system more secure for everyone.

Go Green Now Perspective: 🌍 This is a huge step forward. For too long, our economy has been a one-way street toward the landfill. By bringing together the best of British farming and cutting-edge policy, we are finally building a system that mimics nature: where everything has a purpose and nothing goes to waste.

At Go Green Now, we’ve been waiting for a “big bang” moment for energy efficiency in the UK—and it’s finally here.

The government has just unveiled its landmark Warm Homes Plan, a massive £15 billion investment designed to transform the UK’s drafty housing stock into energy-efficient powerhouses. This isn’t just a policy update; it’s a total overhaul of how we live, heat our homes, and protect our planet.

Here is everything you need to know about the plan that is set to change the face of British housing.

What is the Warm Homes Plan?

The headline is staggering: £15 billion will be invested over the course of this parliament to upgrade 5 million homes by 2030.

For too long, the UK has had some of the oldest and least efficient housing in Europe, leading to wasted energy and sky-high bills. The Warm Homes Plan aims to fix that at the root by offering grants and support for:

• High-spec insulation (loft, cavity, and external wall).

• Low-carbon heating (transitioning from gas boilers to heat pumps).

• Solar panels and battery storage to help homes generate their own clean power.

Lower Bills, Lower Carbon

The beauty of this plan lies in its “double win.” By making homes more efficient, the government aims to:

1. Slash Energy Bills: Families could save hundreds of pounds a year by keeping heat inside their homes rather than letting it escape through the roof and walls.

2. Lift Millions Out of Fuel Poverty: A major priority of the plan is supporting low-income households and social housing tenants first, ensuring that the transition to “net zero” is fair for everyone.

3. Massive Carbon Savings: Residential heating is one of the UK’s largest sources of carbon emissions. Upgrading 5 million homes is a giant leap toward our national climate targets.

A Boost for the Green Economy

It’s not just about the houses; it’s about the people who build them. The government estimates that this plan will support tens of thousands of new, skilled jobs across the country. From heat pump engineers to insulation specialists, the “Green Industrial Revolution” is officially moving into our neighborhoods.

What This Means for You

If you’ve been thinking about retrofitting your home but were worried about the cost, this plan is the signal you’ve been waiting for. The government is expected to roll out simplified grant schemes, making it easier than ever to access the funding needed to “green” your property.

Go Green Now Perspective: 🌍 This is the kind of bold, large-scale action we need. We’ve always said that the cheapest energy is the energy you don’t use. By prioritising insulation and clean heat, the Warm Homes Plan tackles both the cost-of-living crisis and the climate crisis in one fell swoop.

At Go Green Now, we are always looking for “green-spiration” from around the globe, and today, all eyes are on Wales.

New figures just released show that Wales has reached a phenomenal recycling rate of 68.4% for 2024-25.

This isn’t just a small step; it’s a giant leap toward the nation’s goal of becoming zero-waste. To put this in perspective, before devolution, Wales was recycling just 5% of its waste. Today, they are 2nd in the world, trailing only Austria!

Here is why this is a massive win for the planet and what we can learn from the Welsh model.

The Workplace Revolution

One of the biggest drivers of this latest spike is a change in how businesses handle waste. New workplace recycling measures were introduced last year, requiring all businesses, public sector offices, and charities to separate their recyclable materials.

The results?

• +42% increase in recyclable material collected from workplaces (an extra 8,187 tonnes!).

• 15.8% drop in residual (non-recyclable) waste from businesses.

• Zero-waste focus: Thousands of tonnes of valuable materials are being fed back into the circular economy instead of being burned or buried.

Bye-Bye, Landfill

Perhaps the most staggering statistic is the decline of the landfill. In the late 90s, Wales sent 95% of its waste to landfill. In 2024-25, that number plummeted to just 0.7%. This shows that with the right infrastructure and public buy-in, we really can move away from “dumping” our problems in the ground.

Leading the Way: The Local Heroes

While the national average is 68.4%, many local councils are already smashing the 70% statutory target.

• Pembrokeshire is leading the charge with a 73.5% recycling rate.

• Monmouthshire, Swansea, and Newport are also among the 12 councils that have already cleared the 70% hurdle.

What This Means for Us

As Huw Irranca-Davies, the Deputy First Minister for Climate Change, put it: “Recycling is now a part of who we are as a nation.”

This success didn’t happen by accident. It took over £1 billion in investment and a total shift in public attitude. It proves that when a government prioritises the environment and provides the tools for citizens and businesses to do the right thing, incredible change is possible.

Go Green Now Tip: Take a leaf out of the Welsh book! Whether you’re at home or in the office, take that extra second to separate your card, plastic, and food waste. Every tonne saved from the bin is a win for our future. If you’re looking for options when it comes to recycling, check out our directory members!

Want to see your community hit these numbers? Share this post and let’s get the conversation started!

Go Green Now’s Team recently sat down with Film Division to highlight to our community who they are, what they do, and how they can help support businesses who have a sustainable message they want to share with the world.

1. Introduction

Film Division isn’t your average video production company; we are “allies in change.” Established in 2017, we specialise in transforming complex environmental and social missions into video marketing that inspires action. While many videographers focus on “pretty pictures,” we prioritise results. By combining deep audience research with high-end craftsmanship, we help organisations in the UK move beyond brand awareness to achieve genuine impact. We believe video has the magic to shift perspectives, making it the most powerful tool in your arsenal for achieving your organisations goals.

2. Who Is Film Division?

Based in Birmingham, Film Division is a purpose-led video agency founded on the belief that visual storytelling can spark movements. Our mission is to empower brands by crafting relatable, data-driven video campaigns that cut through the noise. We don’t just deliver a video file and walk away; we immerse ourselves in your audience’s mindset to understand what makes them tick. Whether we are working with SME’s or global corporations, our goal remains the same: to create meaningful change through the power of film.

3. What Film Division Offers

We provide a comprehensive, full-service journey from Problem Diagnosis and Brand Development to Video Production and Targeted Distribution. We help business owners and marketing managers deliver focused video campaigns. We offer strategic Audience Research and Ideation to ensure every project is built on a solid foundation. From in-depth empathy driven concepts, location and studio filming to sophisticated post-production and motion graphics integration, we provide the clarity and superior craftsmanship needed to solve problems and get results.

4. Sustainability Focus: Impact & Sustainability Commitment

Sustainability is at the heart of our DNA. Film Division is dedicated to amplifying the work of those on the front lines of the circular economy, net-zero emissions, and biodiversity conservation. We recognise that the green sector often struggles to communicate complex technical solutions to a mainstream audience, and our commitment is to bridge this gap by replacing “doom and gloom” narratives with stories of empathy and innovation.

Our ethical approach starts with acknowledging the biggest culprit in our industry: travel. Flying crews and kit across the country racks up enormous emissions, which is why our first rule of sustainable filmmaking is to use local crew whenever possible. It supports local talent and is much kinder to the planet. We are also big fans of using public transport wherever feasible.

We embrace a circular economy mindset by prioritising the purchase of second-hand equipment and materials before buying new, and we keep a close eye on emerging tech, like hydrogen generators, to move away from diesel power. Most importantly, before any project, we ask: What is the purpose? We ensure making a video is worth the carbon it will inevitably create despite our reductions, setting a high bar to ensure we only produce content that truly matters and contributes to real-world environmental progress.

5. Why Our Members Should Connect

For businesses who want to be greener, the hurdle isn’t the solution—it’s the persuasion. Collaborating with Film Division gives your organisation access to a strategic partner who speaks the language of sustainability. We help you move your message from a “nice-to-have” to an “essential-problem-solver” that drives investment and inspires sustainable lifestyle changes. Whether you are a climate-tech founder or a sustainability manager, we provide the creative vision and targeted distribution strategies needed to ensure your message doesn’t just land, but ignites the specific action your organisation seeks.

6. Key Achievements or Highlights

In the last few years, we’ve been building a catalogue of clients who we’ve helped in this process. For Aston University, we’ve been filming testimonials in support of their Business Energy Advice Service. This campaign aims to inspire local businesses to analyse and improve their carbon footprint. Additionally, we’ve also worked with Liberation Foods on improving their website conversions which lead to their sales to double. Internationally, we’ve prosduced a new promotional video for SK TES for the launch of a new battery recycling facility.

The UK has just taken a massive step toward a truly circular future. This week, the University of Birmingham officially opened a state-of-the-art £4.5m recycling facility at Tyseley Energy Park, dedicated to recovering and recycling rare earth magnets – the “hidden gems” that power our green technology.

For the first time in 25 years, sintered magnet manufacturing has returned to the UK. This isn’t just about waste management; it’s about securing the materials we need to power the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and our wind energy future without relying on environmentally damaging mining operations abroad.

The Science of “Green” Magnets

The facility utilises a groundbreaking technology known as HPMS (Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap). Developed and patented by researchers at the University of Birmingham, this process uses hydrogen to break down magnet scrap—found in everything from old hard drives to electric motors—into a high-quality alloy powder.

The result? This powder can be turned directly into brand-new magnets.

Why This is a Game-Changer

By recycling these materials instead of mining them, the process delivers a staggering 90% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Currently, the facility is set to process around 100 tonnes of material per year, with the potential to scale up to 300 tonnes. This reduces the UK’s reliance on imports (particularly from China) and helps build a resilient, homegrown supply chain for the “Critical Minerals” that are essential for our net-zero targets.

Why It Matters

Rare earth magnets are the unsung heroes of the green transition. You can find them in:

• Electric Vehicles: Powering the motors that get us from A to B.

• Wind Turbines: Converting wind into the clean electricity in our homes.

• Consumer Electronics: Keeping our smartphones, speakers, and laptops running.

By closing the loop on these materials, we ensure that the “green” technology of tomorrow doesn’t come at the cost of the planet today.

Take Action: How You Can Help

Circular innovation starts with us! Here is how you can support a circular economy for electronics:

• Don’t Bin It, Bank It: Never throw old electronics in the general waste. Use certified e-waste recycling points to ensure materials like rare earth magnets can be recovered.

• Choose Repairable Tech: When buying new gadgets, look for brands that prioritise “right to repair” and modular designs.

• Support UK Green Tech: Share stories like this! The more we talk about the circular economy, the more investment flows into local, sustainable industries.

• Business Owners: If your business handles large volumes of electronic waste or motors, look into “Urban Mining” partnerships to ensure your scrap becomes someone else’s raw material.