The year so far has been one of protests and marches. People have had enough of the status quo; things need to change urgently. Inspired by Our Planet, Greta Thunberg and Sir David Attenborough – environmental concerns have never been so important to the nation. Last year we saw people being more motivated to recycle and 2018 was the biggest Recycle Week to date, but 2019 promises to be bigger and better! We’re taking recycling into our own hands.
For its 17th annual Recycle Week (23rd – 29th September), Recycle Now is capitalising on this heightened awareness and energy; tasking Greenredeem members – and people all over the UK – to act and focus on getting recycling right during Recycle Week.
“I’ve learned you are never too small to make a difference.” – Greta Thunberg
Taking recycling into our own hands and getting it right
Latest research from Recycle Now reveals that over 60% of UK households are now recycling more than they were a year ago because of environmental concerns. It’s clear that as a nation, we’re taking recycling into our own hands.
The research shows that more and more UK households are recycling plastic drinks, toiletry and shampoo bottles, amongst other items including glass and metal tin cans. The level of increase of glass and metal / tin cans is at a slightly lower level compared to the other items cited. Nearly a third of these people cite environmental concerns as the main reason for doing more and other attribute it to an increased awareness of what can be recycled. Whilst the research showed an increase in recycling, it also showed that UK households sometimes incorrectly put items like nappies, toys and toothpaste tubes in the recycling bin.
But fear not – Greenredeem is here to help! We’re already a community of recyclers – but there are some simple things that we can all do to make our recycling even better.
UK households sometimes incorrectly put items like nappies, toys and toothpaste tubes in the recycling bin.
Top tips to help reduce contamination in your bin:
- Look out for recycling labels on packaging to help identify whether it is recyclable or not
- Leave metal caps and lids on glass jars and bottles
- Empty and rinse all containers
- Don’t forget to recycle items from all rooms in the house such as shampoo bottles from the bathroom
- If in doubt, check before you chuck using our Nearby Recycling Locator
What and how we recycle really matters. Recycling an item rather than throwing it in the general rubbish bin means that it will be dealt with in the most environmentally friendly way, keeping materials in use and out of the environment.
“This year we’ve all taken more notice of our impact on the environment, and realised that recycling is part of reducing that impact.” –
Craig Stephens [Recycle Now]
To find out more about Recycle Week visit www.recyclenow.com
