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Second-hand shops in the Netherlands have a far greater impact on the environment than is often thought. Collecting one ton of goods can save one ton of CO2 emissions. This has been shown in calculations by TNO. Recently, the BKN (the organisation for the second-hand and recycling sector in the Netherlands) challenged TNO to produce hard figures to show how the trade in unwanted goods has a positive impact on employment and the environment.
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TNO produced the figures during a TNO Challenge, in which a team of three experts are given one week to solve a complex problem (or present a practical solution approach) for a company or organisation.
Auke van der Hoek, regional manager of the second-hand shop ‘Het GOED’ and member of the BKN board: ‘TNO’s combined expertise in the environment and business modelling was ideal for our purposes. We had already done quite a lot of research ourselves, but this went much further. We receive payment from local authorities for collecting unwanted goods and we wanted to demonstrate the positive contribution we make, particularly with regard to the environment. Thanks to the new substantiated figures provided by TNO, our clients and shop customers know how important second-hand shops are in reducing CO2, and how we help to create employment for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market. TNO also advised us on how to raise awareness of the sector’s importance.’
TNO calculated that one ton of goods collected for recycling or reuse generates a CO2 saving of one ton. ‘Het GOED’ has a chain of seventeen second-hand shops, which employ a total of 550 people. One of the locations collects as much as 500 tons of goods per year, which is equivalent to the amount of natural gas required to heat 150 homes.
‘If we extrapolate the figures to the whole sector, the result is staggering’, says Auke van der Hoek.
René van Gijlswijk, environmental expert at TNO: ‘Approximately half of all the goods collected by second-hand shops are sold, and 30% are reused. Only 20% are sent for incineration. Thanks to recycling and reuse, the useful life of goods is extended by at least half. This reduces waste incineration and therefore CO2 emissions, and it also means that fewer new goods need to be produced. Our calculations are based on these facts. The impressive achievements of businesses that trade in and recycle unwanted goods are now documented in black and white.’
The BKN, which represents around 100 members with more than 200 shops, is convinced that further improvements are possible on the basis of the TNO study. Auke van der Hoek: ‘In Deventer, for example, the level of waste per resident is 200 kilos a year. They want to reduce this to 10 kilograms. We can play a useful role in achieving this. The useful life of goods, which is now 1½ years, can be extended still further, and the 20% that is incinerated can also be reduced. TNO’s study and presentation have given us many plenty of to work on. They are going to organise a workshop for our members. This will help us motivate the whole sector to refine our objectives.’
Mark van Staalduinen of TNO: ‘Our motto was “unlock the full potential”. The reuse of unwanted goods is based on an ideology, but a more market-oriented approach is needed. The businesses in this sector must emphasise their role as a partner for local authorities, helping to create employment and reduce the waste problem.’
