Why Recycle

With recent improved understanding of the environment we have come to realise that by committing waste produce to landfill – as was once the chosen method of disposal – we have been causing problems that we could avoid. Harmful materials and substances were routinely buried to the detriment not only of the wildlife and plants in the area but – ultimately – to our livelihood.

This is why recycling has become one of the driving forces of the 21 st century, and while many still consider it something of a crusade it is essential that we understand why it is important to recycle as much as we can. Local authorities now provide households with a range of bins for specific items and materials, and for the little extra effort it takes to separate your tin cans from plastic bottles you can be assured that you are helping the cause. Recycling soon becomes second nature once you are used to it.

Bear in mind that even with recycling the average standard waste disposal bin still contains 50% that could be recycled and you begin to see how far we have come, and how much further we have to go.

How Can I Help ?

Starting in the home it is important that we look carefully at the products we buy regularly and at how we can change our ways to reduce waste and increase recycling capacity. When shopping for groceries look for packaging that is approved for recycling – it will be clearly marked as such – and also consider buying produce loose rather than in packaging, as in the case of fresh fruit and vegetables. This reduces the amount of waste you are producing instantly.

We can also help by turning waste into compost for use in the garden, and it is not just plant waste – cut down dead flowers and such – but also food waste that can be successfully composted. Not only does this give you fertile compost for your garden, but it also adds to the efficiency of the home.

Many more products can be recycled and by taking electrical equipment and such to your local waste processing site you will find there are special areas where such items can be left to be collected and correctly processed by specialists.

As recycling becomes more important it may eventually be that local authorities begin to ‘tax' households on the amount of waste they produce – indeed, such schemes have been suggested in parts of the UK – hence the need to reduce waste in the home becomes another answer to the question why recycle?