Lewknor C of E primary school
Recycling
Recycling as much of our waste materials as possible is certainly beneficial environmentally (though has little impact on climate change). As a nation we produce 27 million tonnes of waste every year, approaching half a tonne per person each year in the UK. Of this around 30% is recycled, but other EU countries have recycling rates of 60 – 70%. The UK at present produces more landfill than any other EC country. A sobering statistic!
Paper makes up around 25% of landfill at present but is one of the easiest products to recycle.
A useful principle is to:
- Refuse – goods and products that you don’t really need – and to refuse excess packaging
- Reduce – consumption, especially of disposable goods whenever possible – nappies, cameras etc
- Reuse – repair clothes, appliances whenever possible, choose second-hand goods.
Improving amberlinks
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Useful links
Reuze What to do with all kinds of waste
Global Action Plan Useful statistics on UK household waste
Recycle more Useful tips
Alupro Recycling aluminium cans
Tools for Self Reliance Recycle your unwanted tools
Rabbitt Recycling An adaptable company that aims to provide a complete recycling service for larger companies
Real Nappy Campaign Local suppliers and practical tips
Plushpants Reusable menstrual products
Mooncup An alternative to conventional menstrual products
Your information tips and comments
People sometimes say that they can't recycle because facilities are so far away that it wastes more carbon than it saves. The answer is surely to use the time on writing a letter to the local council to ask them to improve their facilities. Ludlow is in South Shropshire where the Coucncil has tripled its recycling in recent years; having been a low performing authority at about 20% they now do 60%, and this despite having some of the most remote and scattered populations in England: if they can do it so can others.
Anyone know what happens when plastic bottles are sorted? I never know if its OK to add in plastic boxes, shampoo bottles with recycling logo on. Someone has told me this can mean the whole lot is ditched into landfill......