November 2021
Circular consumption has long been a worthy solution, but a difficult one to implement into the mainstream. However recently, brands have began to make these changes. This month, we look into the circular economy and how big named brands are trialling efforts to make an impact on the environment.
We also share insights into the alternative approaches to wellbeing, another popular ongoing trend that continues to expand.
In partnership with Loop, Tesco Food has launched a groundbreaking packaging scheme which allows customers to purchase their goods in reusable containers. The scheme is part of Tesco’s continued effort to reduce plastic and packaging waste. It’s currently being trialled in selected stores, with the end goal of being rolled out nationally. This signals a big change in how we will consume day to day goods.
There are currently 88 different products to choose from - including basics such as tea and sugar, cleaning products, and alcoholic beverages. Each product comes ready in reusable packaging, removing the need for consumers to provide their own. When purchased, customers pay a deposit for the packaging on top of the price of the goods, which is refunded to them when the packaging is returned.
Loop is a company on a mission to make being zero-waste easier and more accessible. The company has many partners across multiple sectors, each of which Loop supports in moving towards a more circular and zero-waste product range. By doing so, Loop hopes to discourage the throw-away lifestyle which is prominent amongst Western societies.
In the UK, the number of those renting compared to homeownership continues to rise. This means individuals are moving around more between tenancies, and bulky items such as furniture often don’t follow. To address this and help people to be more sustainable, Sofology and Loop have launched a first of its kind sofa rental service.
Customers can choose between various models and colours, each of which can be rented from £80 per month, on 6, 12, or 18-month contracts. Once finished with, the sofas are returned, and each part is re-used or recycled, ensuring that no parts go to landfil
In a bid to reduce packaging waste, Burger King has partnered with Loop to trial a reusable packaging pilot scheme. The initiative is a response to the increased number of disposable containers used over the pandemic. By doing this, Burger King hopes to make it easier for its customers to incorporate reusability into their daily lives.
The scheme allows customers to decide between standard or reusable packaging on several staple items. The zero waste packaging comes at an extra cost, however this cost difference is refunded when the packaging is returned. It is then cleaned, ready to be used time and time again.
Our understanding of how both our emotional and mental health impact our everyday wellbeing is continuing to grow. With this advanced knowledge comes new and alternative ways to approach and manage wellbeing, which fall outside of the traditional healthcare space.
Instead of siloed solutions and quick fixes, some companies are pushing an ongoing, longer term approach to mental health. This includes Coa, a gym for mental wellbeing that’s on a mission to create a culture that celebrates mental health.
Coa believe that mental fitness should be prioritised as much as physical fitness. To do this Coa offer a range of therapist led live classes, which include interactive exercises and practical takeaways. Topics include body image, mental burnout, and emotional resilience. The platform also offers 1:1 therapy sessions. Together, Coa hopes this can help integrate mental health knowledge and practices into everyday life.
Mental and physical health were once treated as largely separate entities. We now understand that the two are closely intertwined, and as a result must be treated as one. Medical clinic Parsley Health achieve this by utilising a holistic healthcare approach which tackles the root cause of health conditions.
Parlsey Health was founded by a leading doctor in functional medicine who believes that nutrition, wellness and prevention should be the frontline of healthcare. The clinic takes time to understand the patient’s history, lifestyle, genetics and symptoms, and after in-depth testing and analysis creates a personalised health plan which combines both functional and conventional medicine.
Social media websites and online forums allow individuals diagnosed with similar conditions to come together and support each other. They can discuss symptoms, treatments and cures, and learn from each others experiences. This creates condition specific knowledge bases that might be richer than the information accessible within traditional healthcare services.
Online platform Stuff That Works has made this even easier by creating a website that allows people to learn about their condition using AI-based crowdsourcing. Each individual shares their experience with a specific condition, and this information is turned into data which is fed into the platform. Users can then browse each condition, and see which treatments work best for everybody.
Previous month
October 2021
Last month, we investigated several ways in which people are trying to reverse the ageing process to stay healthier for longer. We also announced the winner of our annual Meaning Centred Design Awards
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