Repairing instead of disposing
by Tina Zilch (comments: 0)
Our society is often referred to as a ‘throwaway society’ because many things that are old or defective are simply replaced with new ones. The German Federal Statistical Office reports an impressive volume of waste of 399 million tonnes. A detailed breakdown of this figure, information on waste recycling and its development over the years can be found at www.destatis.de.
We at RIDDER have consciously decided to take a different path. Instead of disposing of things immediately, we focus on refurbishing and reusing them – wherever possible and hygienically justifiable. This sustainable approach applies not only to returns, but also to many other small and large items in our company.
One example is our pallets: instead of simply sorting out defective pallets, our employees collect them and regularly check whether they can be repaired. Damaged chocks are replaced, loose boards and nails are professionally fixed. The repaired pallets are then reused – whether for internal storage or as a means of transport for customer deliveries.
But what happens to pallets that can no longer be repaired? We don't just dispose of these either. Depending on the season, we find a new use for them: in summer, they become a safe and cosy barbecue and campfire for our summer party. Alternatively, we give them to our employees as gifts – be it for crafting or as firewood for the fireplace.
Sustainability is an essential part of what we do. By conserving resources and avoiding waste, we make a small but important contribution to our environment.