How Are Kollect Going Carbon Neutral?

2019 was a hectic year for Kollect. We expanded our operations into the UK and then floated on the stock exchange. When we sat down to plan 2020, we were all in agreement of what our vision needed to be – to become Green Warriors.

Last year we began our quest by ‘lifting the lid’ on the country’s bins to find out exactly how good or bad we all were at recycling. We wanted to make our customers ‘recycling masters’, and that’s something that we will continue to work at throughout 2020.

Most importantly though, we’re taking significant steps to go carbon neutral. Here’s the Why, How, Where and When:

Why?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring gas which is caused primarily by human beings burning fossil fuels. It is very bad for the environment because it absorbs solar energy and keeps heat close to Earth's surface, rather than letting it escape into space. This is known as the greenhouse effect. In 2020, Kollect is going to remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as we are putting in.

How?

We have signed up with Go Carbon Neutral who are going to offset all our emissions by planting trees for us. If you didn’t already know it, trees are amazing. They absorb carbon dioxide and other potentially harmful gasses such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, and in turn, release oxygen. One large tree can supply a day's supply of oxygen for four people.

Where?

Ireland has the lowest level of forest cover in Europe – approximately 11% versus a 40% average elsewhere, so in partnership with Go Carbon Neutral, all of the Kollect Trees will be planted in forests around Ireland.

When?

Immediately. We have already begun purchasing Go Carbon Neutral credits and the planting of trees has begun. We’re taking this very seriously, and as well completely cutting out the use of single use coffee cups in the office, we have other big green plans for the rest of the year.

Watch this space!