Stepney All Saints School

Reducing Our use of Plastics / The Circular Economy

Refilling glass bottles with household products like handwash, shampoo, and cleaning supplies has major environmental benefits and supports the circular economy by reducing waste and resource use. Instead of constantly buying new plastic bottles, refilling promotes reuse, cutting down on plastic pollution and the demand for new plastic production, which relies on fossil fuels.

Glass is infinitely recyclable, meaning it can be reused multiple times without losing quality, unlike plastic, which often ends up in landfills or the ocean. Refilling also lowers carbon emissions, as fewer plastic bottles need to be manufactured, transported, and disposed of.

In a circular economy, materials are kept in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and pollution. By choosing refills in glass bottles, consumers help create a more sustainable system where products are designed for reuse, not disposal, protecting natural resources and reducing environmental harm.

The Right to Repair Movement

The Right to Repair movement advocates for people’s ability to fix their own products—such as smartphones, laptops, appliances, and vehicles—instead of being forced to buy new ones or rely on expensive manufacturer repairs. It pushes companies to make spare parts, tools, and repair manuals accessible to consumers and independent repair shops, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Environmental Benefits

When products are designed to be repaired, fewer items end up in landfills, reducing electronic waste (e-waste) and pollution. Manufacturing new devices requires mining raw materials, using large amounts of energy, and generating carbon emissions. By extending the life of products, the Right to Repair reduces the demand for new production, conserving natural resources and lowering CO₂ emissions.

Skills Acquisition & Creativity for Young People

Repairing devices helps young people develop valuable technical skills, such as electronics repair, engineering, and problem-solving. It encourages creativity, as they learn how things work and innovate solutions. Repairing also promotes a DIY (do-it-yourself) mindset, empowering young people to be more self-sufficient.

By supporting the Right to Repair, we create a more sustainable world while giving the next generation the skills and confidence to fix, create, and innovate.