18-24 June 2012 is recycle week
Could you do more?
Think about what you do in the ninth recycle week. This year the
spotlight is on what happens both home and away; reminding us that
we shouldn't just concentrate our efforts on how we recycle at
home, but to think about what we do when we are out and about.
Focus on plastics
The week showcases plastic bottles as an example. Equally, you
can consider other materials such as glass, paper, cartons
or clean foil. At home it couldn't be easier, just put out
your co-mingled recycling container every week on
your allocated waste management day.
Did you know?
Shockingly, only 48% of the 580,000 plastic bottles used in the
UK each year are recycled. The rest are put in street litter or
black bags and are therefore destined for landfill. This clearly is
not good enough. We all need to think about contributing to
changing this statistic.
What happens to your plastics?
They are taken to a materials recycling facility in Cardiff and
are sorted for reprocessing. Recycled products can be used to make
new items such as plastic bottles and clothing. Watch a short video
to find out more (scroll down to our video film section
and then select the material type you want to view).
How can I make a difference?
Look out for recycling containers when you are out and about. If
you can't find one, pop the item in your bag, car or carry it
and recycle it when you can; even if it means taking it home.
Remember: we need to divert as much as possible from landfill.
- At the gym or sports club: if you buy a bottle
of water, don't discard it. Reuse it for your next workout session,
or ask if the facility has a plastic recycling bin is. If
not, recycle it in your weekly co-mingled collection.
- In the office: whether buying a drink from the
vending machine or being the one to empty your plastic milk
container - think about what you do with the empty one. Your office
may have a Green
Dragon coordinator (an environmental management system) who can
help you if you want to start recycling in work.
- Lunchtimes: reusing a drinks bottle, lunch box
or sandwich container is the best option. However if you buy
sandwiches in a triangular plastic container or clingfilm, then
these can also be recycled (make sure that the food remains
are rinsed off to avoid contamination).
- At school: does your child use the tuck
shop or school canteen? If they do, remind them of their
responsibility to recycle - bottles, yoghurt pots and even
some sweet containers can be recycled. A lot of schools are
applying for Eco
Schools status (an international environmental award), so many
are already on board with recycling.
- Picnic: it may not always be the
right weather for a picnic, but if you are intending to enjoy
any of the Vale's beaches, parks or other attractive open spaces,
sort through any recycling, take it home and add it to your
kerbside container. Every single bottle counts. Please do what you
can and spread the word too.
Contact
Tel: 01446 700111 or email: visible@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk