EVERY year, on March 18, the world comes together to celebrate Global Recycling Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of recycling and its role in preserving our planet. Recycling is a simple yet powerful way to address environmental issues like pollution, resource depletion and climate change.
Global Recycling Day serves as a powerful reminder that the way we treat our waste today has a significant impact on the world of tomorrow. It’s a day to reflect on how recycling can contribute to a more sustainable future and how small actions can lead to big changes on a global scale.
What is global recycling day?
Global Recycling Day, launched in 2018 by the Global Recycling Foundation, aims to promote recycling and encourage action from individuals, businesses and governments to reduce waste. The day highlights the value of recyclable materials, the need for better recycling systems and celebrates those making a positive impact in recycling. Each year, a theme is chosen to raise awareness and advocate for improved recycling practices across various sectors.
Importance of recycling
Recycling is a key component of the circular economy, where materials are reused, refurbished and recycled instead of being discarded. It conserves natural resources, reduces pollution and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
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Conserving resources: Recycling conserves finite resources such as metals, minerals and fossil fuels. For example, recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees and 7 000 gallons of water, while recycling aluminium can save up to 95% of the energy needed to produce new aluminium from raw materials.
Reducing pollution: Recycling reduces the need for raw material extraction, helping prevent deforestation, habitat destruction and pollution. It also lowers air and water pollution by reducing incineration and landfilling.
Fighting climate change: Recycling helps reduce the release of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. For instance, recycling metals and paper helps reduce CO2 emissions by cutting the energy consumption associated with manufacturing new materials.
Creating jobs: The recycling industry is a major source of employment. The UK recycling sector alone employs over 150 000 people, contributing to a sustainable, green economy.
Reducing waste: Global waste production is rising rapidly, with the average person in the UK generating 1,9kg of waste daily. However, increased recycling can significantly reduce this amount, and the UK is working to decrease landfill use by boosting recycling rates.