On average, every person in the UK throws away their own body weight in rubbish every seven weeks, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Furthermore, every UK household produces over one tonne of rubbish every year and the rainforests are being cut down at the rate of 100 acres per minute. As a result of this, ecosystems are being destroyed and it’s pushing some species of animals into vulnerable numbers, and could even cause some species to disappear forever. It is vitally important that we recycle, so that we don’t have too much waste and to protect the Earth’s habitat, the land we use and the air we breathe.
Here are some tips on how you can be greener:
Recycling Glass
Glass can be recycled virtually forever – it never wears out. Most bottles and jars contain at least 25% recycled material. The energy saved by recycling just one bottle could light a 100-watt bulb for four hours. Recycling one glass bottle saves enough energy to power a TV for 15 minutes.
Recycling Paper
75% of each tree that is cut down for paper is not used in a paper product. Paper made from recycled paper uses 70% less energy.
Recycling Plastic
We can recycle our plastic bottles and tubs and these can be used again. The energy saved by recycling one plastic bottle will power a 60-watt light bulb for six hours.
Recycling Aluminium
Once an aluminium can is recycled it can be part of new can within six weeks. If all the aluminium cans sold in the UK were recycled, there would be 14 million fewer full dustbins each year.
Greener Methods of Transport
Where it is possible, avoid using cars, and instead walk, cycle and use public transport. Or, if you do use a car, be sure to car share. It is estimated that the majority of pollution on our roads is from single occupant vehicles. On average, every 25 miles a car produces 40kg of Co2 – producing toxic fumes in urban areas.
Want to find out more? Check out the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs