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From the Deep Blue ( to Being Totally Green

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 August 2005, 06:00 CDT

After 22 years on the high seas, a former Royal Navy submariner has come ashore to start up his own recycling business.

Peter Moody, from Wideopen, Newcastle, has launched his own business, Matrix-Direct Recycle, and is aiming to improve the environment for consumers and businesses throughout the North-East.

The 39-year-old said: "Moving away from the forces into self employment is a huge step for me. I joined the Navy when I was 17 as a junior sailor and worked my way up to chief petty officer, running communications on nuclear and conventional submarines."

Stationed in both London and at the Faslane submarine base on the Clyde, Peter wanted to move back to the North- East to spend more time with wife Sharon and daughters Hannah, four, and Laura, 11, so launched his business in Wallsend.

He said: "Recycling is becoming an increasing issue in today's society and I wanted to do my bit to help. Government directives and regulations are being brought in to make our environment a safer place to live and work. My business will help keep businesses and individual consumers within those legislations.

"When I visit small and large businesses, I identify which electrical and electronic pieces of equipment can be re-cycled. It is amazing what items can be turned into. For example, the glass screens in computer monitors are crushed down to help make ceramic tiles for kitchens and bathrooms. The plastics are made into car bumpers and the metal can be melted down into almost anything."

He believes this is an ideal time to start his business as the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive, which aims to prevent waste going into landfill, has just come into force.

"The aim of the directive is to reduce waste arising from electrical and electronic equipment whilst improving the environmental performance of all those involved in the life cycle of products."

Peter was given expert guidance and support from both Building Up Business and TEDCO, which assisted him with the business planning and the 'Your Journey Into Business Course' in North Shields.

Source: The Journal - Newcastle-upon-Tyne

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