The Three Rs - Why Bother?
The proportion of household waste recycled in England, including composting, rose from 11.2% in 2000/01 to 12.4% in 2001/02. But there was a 2.4% increase in the total amount of municipal waste, up from 28.1 million tonnes in 2000/01 to an estimated 28.8 million tonnes in 2001/02.
Landfill
Firstly, landfilling waste is not a very sensible way of disposing of our waste. Old landfill sites fill up and new sites have to be identified in order to dispose of our
waste. The greater the volume of rubbish - the more space that has to be found and let’s be honest - who wants a landfill site in their backyard? Reducing waste extends the life-time of existing landfills and thus conserves the British countryside. Also, landfills are associated with local pollution of water courses as well as creating methane which contributes to global warming. Landfills are also associated with litter, odours and vermin which affects the local community.
Climate Change
Recycling can help to reduce climate change.
Think about the amount of energy it takes to make a product and the amount of packaging that often comes with it! Then think how wasteful it is just to bury that product in the ground!
Carbon dioxide is given off when electricity or energy is generated. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change. To produce materials such as aluminium, steel, glass, plastics and paper requires large amounts of energy for extraction and processing. However, if you recycle existing material (such as that in your bin!) you can reduce the amount of energy required. This saves carbon dioxide and reduces the impact of climate change.
Resource Efficiency
If we still have uses for a valuable material, why throw it away? The production of raw materials is damaging to the environment through the mining, transportation and energy use that is required. By recycling we reduce the need for raw materials. If the need for raw material can be reduced then the environment is preserved and all the associated pollution from extraction and transportation is reduced.
Employment
Recycling is quiet a new and fast growing business sector. The more we recycle and the more we buy recycled goods, the more jobs there will be in this sector.
Community Links
Recycling initiatives can build community links. For example a community group could set up a furniture reuse scheme for redistribution to those in need.
You Can Make a Difference
Reduction, re-use and recycling our waste is an easy, effective response to what can seem to be extremely daunting environmental issues. Just a little bit of effort can go a long way and make a significant difference. At least 50% of household waste is capable of being re-used or recycled including cans, bottles, plastics, paper, kitchen waste (which can be turned into compost) and even old computers, mobile phones, furniture and tyres. In some cases your waste can be used to raise money for charity and even save you money! Find out about local recycling, reuse or repair facilities for various types of materials and household goods.
