As the world begins to sit up and take notice of the detrimental impact we are having on the planet, many of us are eager to do our bit for the environment. Recycling is one of the simplest ways we can reduce our carbon footprint. However, with hectic work schedules, families to manage and 101 other things to think about, it may be low on your priority list. We have compiled a list of tips to make recycling more engaging, and some scary reasons why it’s important that we all do our bit!
For many, a lack of motivation and perceived added effort needed to recycle leads us to opt for the bin instead. Labelling your recycling bins with exactly what can and can’t go in each, makes the process more straightforward and will hopefully inspire your household to participate more frequently.
Sadly, many tonnes of recycling are rejected every year due. Common reasons for rejection include contamination from:
Not only do these contaminants prevent the items in question from being recycled, but they can also contaminate everything it is in contact with. As a result, lots of other otherwise recyclable items get rejected and end up in incinerators and landfills.
You can help to ensure your recycling isn’t rejected by rinsing out tins, bottles, tubs and jars before you put them out for collection. Additionally, oil contamination will render cardboard non-recyclable, so tear off those grease patches from your pizza boxes!
Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose and, when it does, it forms micro-plastics that can still cause contamination! A lose-lose situation for the planet. With over 2-million tonnes of plastic packaging used annually in the UK alone, that is a lot of plastic taking up space for the next several centuries! Some other scary statistics include:
As well as recycling bottles and packaging, we can each do our bit to reduce the amount of plastic we use. This, in turn, can also help to reduce the demand for it. Suggestions include:
It is predicted that, if we fail to recycle and continue to pollute the planet, fossil fuel reserves could be gone by 2050. Ultimately, manufacturing drains natural resources, destroys habitats, and pollutes air, ground, and water. Recycling is just one of many ways we as individuals can contribute towards the reduction in our carbon footprint.
So, while it may feel like an insignificant act know that, when we all do our part, we can significantly improve our future for the long-term.
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