As we commemorate Earth Day this 2024, I am reminded of the pressing urgency to act, not just speak, about sustainability. At Verdi, we stand committed to aiding our customers and brand partners in adopting circular economic models, ensuring that we make the most out of our resources while minimizing waste.
Verdi was born from a need to address these sustainability challenges, advocating for circular solutions that have defined our mission for over 10 years. For those unfamiliar, a circular economy aims to extend the lifecycle of resources—minimizing environmental impact by maximizing the reusability of goods and materials and keeping them out of landfills.
This Earth Day, I urge you to take actionable steps towards a more sustainable future:
- Opt for Refurbished Products: Last year, U.S consumers returned merchandise worth over $743 billion, often due to changed preferences or minor dissatisfaction, not product faults. Many of these returns, unfortunately, end up in landfills if not refurbished. By choosing refurbished goods, you support the extension of product lifecycles and demonstrate to brands the viability and necessity of such programs.
- Support Responsible Recycling of Electronics: In 2023 alone, the world generated over 61 million metric tons of electronic waste. A staggering amount of this was either landfilled or incinerated. By partnering with retailers committed to responsible recycling practices, you help secure the re-use of scarce resources and reduce the environmental harm caused by additional resource extraction.
Our dedication at Verdi has led to significant sustainability achievements. Through our initiatives and partnerships, we’ve helped remarket over 1.5 million consumer and household electronics since 2021, preventing over 142 thousand metric tons of CO2e emissions and significantly cutting down on the demand for metals and plastics.
The circular economy is a critical part of the environmental solution. I encourage all individuals and brands interested in making a real impact to reach out to me or anyone on the Verdi team. Together, we can make this Earth Day about real change.
By promoting these practices, we not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also set an example for others to follow. Let’s continue to drive meaningful change, not just today, but every day.
