The problem
Our current production system is based on extracting natural resources, producing, consuming and discarding. This consumption model leads, firstly, to the extraction of natural resources beyond planetary limits and, secondly, to the generation of large quantities of waste.
Natural resources extraction
The United Nations estimates that if the world population reaches 9.6 billion people in 2050, it will take the equivalent of almost three Earth planets to extract the natural resources needed to maintain our current lifestyle.
Resources extraction is associated with certain environmental impacts, as half of total greenhouses gases emissions and more than 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress come from the extraction and processing of these resources.
Generation of waste.
The linear consumption model generates significant amounts of waste: in 2018, 2.337 million tons of waste were generated in the EU, equivalent to 5.2 tons of waste per capita, and the OECD forecasts that annual waste generation will increase by 70% between now and 2050.
Waste management and disposal can have a serious impact on the environment; landfills cause air, water and soil pollution, while incineration results in emissions that pollute the atmosphere
the solution
Hamelyn seeks to encourage a change in consumer habits. To this end, it has developed a technological platform that allows used objects to be sold quickly and easily, eliminating all the barriers we encounter when selling products: instant prices, free home pick-up, reduced time in which the user receives the money and a money-back guarantee.
The company has started with books, but has a vision of becoming a multi-category second-hand company, selling other products such as textiles or electronics.
the sustainable development goals
Hamelyn contributes to saving water used in the production of new products, impacting target 6.3 to improve water quality and reduce wastewater; target 6.4 to significantly increase the efficient use of water resources in all sectors; and target 6.6 to protect and restore water-related ecosystems.
Hamelyn promotes a circular economy consumption model, contributing to target 8.4 to progressively improve the efficient production and consumption of the world's resources by 2030 and to seek to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation.
Hamelyn stimulates change in consumer habits, 11.6 which seeks to reduce the negative per capita environmental impact of cities, paying particular attention to air quality and the management of municipal and other wastes.
Through the sale of second-hand products Hamelyn avoids resource extraction and waste generation, impacting on target 12.2 to achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources; target 12.4 to achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle; and target 12.5 to significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse activities.
Hamelyn avoids CO2 emissions generated during the production process of new products, contributing to target 13.1 to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related risks and natural disasters in all countries; and target 13.3 to enhance education, awareness and human and institutional capacity for climate change mitigation, adaptation, mitigation and early warning.
Hamelyn, avoids logging and water consumption, impacting on target 15.1 to ensure the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and water ecosystems, and target 15.2 to promote sustainable management of all types of forests and halt deforestation.
HOW DO WE MEASURE IMPACT?
Changes in consumer behaviour
Number of revalued products.
CO2 emissions reduction
CO2 emissions avoided through the purchase of a second-hand product.
Water saving
Litres of water saved by buying a second-hand product.
Reduction of logging
Number of trees that have not been felled thanks to the purchase of a second-hand book.
Waste generation reduction
Tons of waste avoided through the purchase of a second-hand product.
