“The Green Option Initiative”, a green project launched on September 20, 2024, in Mauritius by ServiQual, aims to tackle the pressing issue of electronic waste. Specializing in IT services, ServiQual has formed a new partnership with the island’s recycling expert, BEM Recycling, to address the environmental impact of technological development. Through the “Green Option Initiative”, ServiQual commits to sustainable practices, aligning its operations with ecological and socially responsible values.
Closing the Loop: The Virtuous Recycling Cycle
“For every piece of equipment we sell, we commit to recycling an equivalent item.” This is the foundation of the Green Option Initiative, ensuring responsible management of electronic waste to reduce its environmental footprint. Here, the term “equivalent item” refers to a new product that is functionally and materially similar to a used item collected for recycling. This approach is crucial as it counterbalances the environmental impact and resource exploitation associated with the production of new items by recycling similar products. The initiative is structured around an ethical framework: each new product sold is offset by recycling its equivalent, promoting a virtuous cycle.
Consumption and Planned Obsolescence
The consumption of IT equipment is rapidly increasing, driven by planned obsolescence, which contributes to the rise in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The Green Option Initiative is a vital step toward promoting sustainable practices in Mauritius, aligning with the goal of achieving zero carbon emissions. To ensure that electronic waste is collected and disposed of in compliance with regulations, ServiQual has partnered with BEM Recycling, a seasoned professional in this field. While customers are encouraged to support the initiative by covering the recycling costs, their financial contributions remain voluntary.
A Call to the Public and Professionals to Engage in the Circular Economy
Serviqual, through its portfolio, invites its collaborators (individual and professional) to join the “Green Option Initiative”, by getting directly involved in the recycling of their WEEE or by raising awareness by using the various channels (social media, corporate meetings).
This eco-friendly direction aligns with the principles of the circular economy, which emphasizes reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling. The objective is to minimize the ecological footprint, preserve biodiversity, create jobs, and foster responsible consumption, securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
WEEE Recycling: A Step for the Planet and a Commitment for BEM Recycling
Electronic waste poses a significant environmental hazard; abandoned or landfilled electrical and electronic devices become substantial pollution sources. BEM Recycling’s mission extends beyond simple recycling. With over 20 years of experience in Mauritius, the company advocates a community-based approach, positioning the island as a pioneer in the circular economy. In 2023, BEM Recycling collected and processed over 140 tonnes of WEEE. Currently, Mauritius generates approximately 15,000 tonnes of these wastes annually, with projections expected to exceed 22,000 tonnes within five years.