Scott Butler
@begreenuk.bsky.social
Executive Director at Material Focus
E-waste, tech, materials, reuse, recycling, behaviour change and circular economy.
www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk
www.materialfocus.org.uk
E-waste, tech, materials, reuse, recycling, behaviour change and circular economy.
www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk
www.materialfocus.org.uk
We are one week on from the UK disposable vapes ban.
To be honest, not much seems to have changed.
And the “in your face” public takeback that is desperately needed to help meet the environmental and fire risk challenges is still a vape dream.
observer.co.uk/listen/daily...
To be honest, not much seems to have changed.
And the “in your face” public takeback that is desperately needed to help meet the environmental and fire risk challenges is still a vape dream.
observer.co.uk/listen/daily...
Is this the end of disposable vapes? | The Observer
As rates of vaping continue to rise across the UK, a health and environmental crisis is unfolding. Will the banning of single-use vapes in the UK turn th...
observer.co.uk
June 8, 2025 at 2:11 PM
We are one week on from the UK disposable vapes ban.
To be honest, not much seems to have changed.
And the “in your face” public takeback that is desperately needed to help meet the environmental and fire risk challenges is still a vape dream.
observer.co.uk/listen/daily...
To be honest, not much seems to have changed.
And the “in your face” public takeback that is desperately needed to help meet the environmental and fire risk challenges is still a vape dream.
observer.co.uk/listen/daily...
Water palaver!
Thames Water was debt free when it was privatised in 1989. It has paid dividends to shareholders of around £10 billion since then and now sits on a debt burden of around £20 billion.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Thames Water was debt free when it was privatised in 1989. It has paid dividends to shareholders of around £10 billion since then and now sits on a debt burden of around £20 billion.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Bidders demand Thames Water granted immunity over environmental crimes
Exclusive: ‘Ransom note’ requests would leave Environment Agency unable to prosecute company or management
www.theguardian.com
June 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Water palaver!
Thames Water was debt free when it was privatised in 1989. It has paid dividends to shareholders of around £10 billion since then and now sits on a debt burden of around £20 billion.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Thames Water was debt free when it was privatised in 1989. It has paid dividends to shareholders of around £10 billion since then and now sits on a debt burden of around £20 billion.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Don’t miss our first online round table - this one on the environmental and fire risks from e-bikes and e-scooters.
Join us online Wednesday 11th June, 2-4pm as we map out the current situation and agree how to move forward as a sector.
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b1af8d...
Join us online Wednesday 11th June, 2-4pm as we map out the current situation and agree how to move forward as a sector.
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b1af8d...
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
June 6, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Don’t miss our first online round table - this one on the environmental and fire risks from e-bikes and e-scooters.
Join us online Wednesday 11th June, 2-4pm as we map out the current situation and agree how to move forward as a sector.
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b1af8d...
Join us online Wednesday 11th June, 2-4pm as we map out the current situation and agree how to move forward as a sector.
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b1af8d...
Material Focus Circular Electricals Fund webinar next Wednesday lunchtime 11th June.
£1 million is available to support and accelerate new ideas aimed at reducing e-waste and keeping electricals - and their materials - in use for longer.
Sign up here - events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2e126d...
£1 million is available to support and accelerate new ideas aimed at reducing e-waste and keeping electricals - and their materials - in use for longer.
Sign up here - events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2e126d...
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
June 6, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Material Focus Circular Electricals Fund webinar next Wednesday lunchtime 11th June.
£1 million is available to support and accelerate new ideas aimed at reducing e-waste and keeping electricals - and their materials - in use for longer.
Sign up here - events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2e126d...
£1 million is available to support and accelerate new ideas aimed at reducing e-waste and keeping electricals - and their materials - in use for longer.
Sign up here - events.teams.microsoft.com/event/2e126d...
Hands up who thinks an unelected volunteer group of “entrepreneurs” and successful (?) businessMEN with next to no experience of ever running public services are equipped to review how best those services can be delivered.
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Kent County Council to be subject of Reform's first Reform to begin Musk-style audits of councils - BBC News
Reform says a team lead by an as-yet unnamed tech entrepreneur will review council spending in Kent.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 2, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Hands up who thinks an unelected volunteer group of “entrepreneurs” and successful (?) businessMEN with next to no experience of ever running public services are equipped to review how best those services can be delivered.
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Talking vapes and all things electricals on BBC Breakfast News red sofa earlier today.
Anything and everything with a plug, battery or cable has value.
Old or unwanted electricals should be:
🔧 fixed
💷 sold
💖 donated
♻ recycled
❌ 🚮 they should never ever be binned.
Anything and everything with a plug, battery or cable has value.
Old or unwanted electricals should be:
🔧 fixed
💷 sold
💖 donated
♻ recycled
❌ 🚮 they should never ever be binned.
May 31, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Talking vapes and all things electricals on BBC Breakfast News red sofa earlier today.
Anything and everything with a plug, battery or cable has value.
Old or unwanted electricals should be:
🔧 fixed
💷 sold
💖 donated
♻ recycled
❌ 🚮 they should never ever be binned.
Anything and everything with a plug, battery or cable has value.
Old or unwanted electricals should be:
🔧 fixed
💷 sold
💖 donated
♻ recycled
❌ 🚮 they should never ever be binned.
Actually it is even more than 5 million reported here. Our last report puts it at just over 8 million vapes a week being binned or littered.
Will the disposable vapes sale ban make any difference?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Will the disposable vapes sale ban make any difference?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Vapers warned not to stockpile ‘fire risk’ disposables before UK ban
The ban, enforced from Sunday, is designed to reduce youth vaping and tackle environmental damage
www.theguardian.com
May 31, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Actually it is even more than 5 million reported here. Our last report puts it at just over 8 million vapes a week being binned or littered.
Will the disposable vapes sale ban make any difference?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Will the disposable vapes sale ban make any difference?
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
The slide deck and recording of our recent cross agency vapes webinar is now available. ⬇️
youtu.be/Cxt5WZt1iJw?...
youtu.be/Cxt5WZt1iJw?...
Material Focus webinar - Government guidance on how to comply as a vape producer or retailer
YouTube video by Material Focus
youtu.be
May 30, 2025 at 10:16 PM
The slide deck and recording of our recent cross agency vapes webinar is now available. ⬇️
youtu.be/Cxt5WZt1iJw?...
youtu.be/Cxt5WZt1iJw?...
In the 2010 UK TV general election debates everyone was rushing over themselves to agree with Nick.
Is anyone agreeing with Nick now?
www.theverge.com/news/674366/...
Is anyone agreeing with Nick now?
www.theverge.com/news/674366/...
Nick Clegg says asking artists for use permission would ‘kill’ the AI industry
Paul McCartne, Elton John and others signed an open letter.
www.theverge.com
May 26, 2025 at 5:54 PM
In the 2010 UK TV general election debates everyone was rushing over themselves to agree with Nick.
Is anyone agreeing with Nick now?
www.theverge.com/news/674366/...
Is anyone agreeing with Nick now?
www.theverge.com/news/674366/...
Radio 4 You and Yours earlier today talking about why the disposable vapes UK sales ban will not fix the issues without much more action.
From 40 minutes in.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
From 40 minutes in.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
You and Yours - Vape Ban; RTS Switch Off; Turbine Tourism - BBC Sounds
What will be the impact of the disposable vape ban?
www.bbc.co.uk
May 26, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Radio 4 You and Yours earlier today talking about why the disposable vapes UK sales ban will not fix the issues without much more action.
From 40 minutes in.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
From 40 minutes in.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Vapocalypse could continue after the disposable vape ban on 1st June
www.materialfocus.org.uk?press-releas...
www.materialfocus.org.uk?press-releas...
Vapocalypse could continue after the disposable vape ban on 1st June - Material Focus
Media Release, 22nd May 2025 Material Focus forecasts that new vapes, including “pods and big puff” are set to cause...
www.materialfocus.org.uk
May 24, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Vapocalypse could continue after the disposable vape ban on 1st June
www.materialfocus.org.uk?press-releas...
www.materialfocus.org.uk?press-releas...
Sad news about the passing of the inspiring Sebastião Salgado.
A great artist and activist with a big and positive legacy. Consolations to his family and friends.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
A great artist and activist with a big and positive legacy. Consolations to his family and friends.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Sebastião Salgado, photographer known for Amazon rainforest images, dies aged 81
Brazilian photographer’s work highlighted injustice and introduced rainforest to the world
www.theguardian.com
May 24, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Sad news about the passing of the inspiring Sebastião Salgado.
A great artist and activist with a big and positive legacy. Consolations to his family and friends.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
A great artist and activist with a big and positive legacy. Consolations to his family and friends.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
@fionaharvey.bsky.social in the @theguardian.com
At Material Focus and @recycleelectricals.bsky.social we looked at how the copper urban mine of old and unwanted electricals could play a part in meeting the demand for copper and other technology metals.
www.materialfocus.org.uk/report-and-r...
At Material Focus and @recycleelectricals.bsky.social we looked at how the copper urban mine of old and unwanted electricals could play a part in meeting the demand for copper and other technology metals.
www.materialfocus.org.uk/report-and-r...
Demand for copper to dramatically outstrip supply within decade
International Energy Agency says it is ‘time to sound alarm’ over future shortages of metal needed for low-carbon transition
www.theguardian.com
May 21, 2025 at 4:40 PM
@fionaharvey.bsky.social in the @theguardian.com
At Material Focus and @recycleelectricals.bsky.social we looked at how the copper urban mine of old and unwanted electricals could play a part in meeting the demand for copper and other technology metals.
www.materialfocus.org.uk/report-and-r...
At Material Focus and @recycleelectricals.bsky.social we looked at how the copper urban mine of old and unwanted electricals could play a part in meeting the demand for copper and other technology metals.
www.materialfocus.org.uk/report-and-r...
Interesting read from @fionaharvey.bsky.social of @theguardian.com on the political pressure building around net zero in the UK. It isn't just the usual sceptics/subjects asking some challenging questions. www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
After Blair’s bombshell, will Labour stick with or abandon net zero?
Under pressure from Reform and under fire from Tony Blair, Keir Starmer is facing a series of tests of his resolve on green policy
www.theguardian.com
May 12, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Interesting read from @fionaharvey.bsky.social of @theguardian.com on the political pressure building around net zero in the UK. It isn't just the usual sceptics/subjects asking some challenging questions. www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
Sad news about Val Kilmer passing away.
Top Secret remains one of my favourite films.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P22g...
Top Secret remains one of my favourite films.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P22g...
Top Secret!: I know a little German.
YouTube video by Nizzinny
www.youtube.com
April 2, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Sad news about Val Kilmer passing away.
Top Secret remains one of my favourite films.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P22g...
Top Secret remains one of my favourite films.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P22g...
Citing melting glaciers, Peruvian farmer tests global climate law - www.reuters.com/business/env...
Citing melting glaciers, Peruvian farmer tests global climate law
In the high Andes of northern Peru, the morning sun rises over glaciers in the Cordillera Blanca mountains that loom above the city of Huaraz, an awe-inspiring sight tainted by fears of a growing threat of meltwater floods.
www.reuters.com
March 16, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Citing melting glaciers, Peruvian farmer tests global climate law - www.reuters.com/business/env...
Pistachiyo or pistachino?
As long time lover of pistachio ice cream, I have noticed that pistachios are defo having a moment.
From Dubai chocolate to velvet latte to martinis and to easter eggs, the swanky green peanut is everywhere.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
As long time lover of pistachio ice cream, I have noticed that pistachios are defo having a moment.
From Dubai chocolate to velvet latte to martinis and to easter eggs, the swanky green peanut is everywhere.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Everyone has gone nuts for pistachios. But they’re just an upmarket green peanut, aren’t they? | Emma Brockes
In chocolate, martinis and croissant, they may be tasty, but let’s not kid ourselves about the health benefits, says Guardian columnist Emma Brockes
www.theguardian.com
March 8, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Pistachiyo or pistachino?
As long time lover of pistachio ice cream, I have noticed that pistachios are defo having a moment.
From Dubai chocolate to velvet latte to martinis and to easter eggs, the swanky green peanut is everywhere.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
As long time lover of pistachio ice cream, I have noticed that pistachios are defo having a moment.
From Dubai chocolate to velvet latte to martinis and to easter eggs, the swanky green peanut is everywhere.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
HM Treasury is looking at cutting the funding for GB Energy and the Warm Homes Programme. Plus the remit of the £28 billion National Wealth Fund has changed so that it can invest in the defence industry as well as decarbonising Britain’s heavy industry.
www.ft.com/content/8379...
www.ft.com/content/8379...
UK Treasury eyes spending cuts at GB Energy in blow to Ed Miliband
State-owned company was set up with mission to invest in renewables and decarbonisation of the grid
www.ft.com
March 7, 2025 at 11:13 AM
HM Treasury is looking at cutting the funding for GB Energy and the Warm Homes Programme. Plus the remit of the £28 billion National Wealth Fund has changed so that it can invest in the defence industry as well as decarbonising Britain’s heavy industry.
www.ft.com/content/8379...
www.ft.com/content/8379...