“Live the way you want to live but just don’t waste.” - David Attenborough

Did you know that the UK generated 221.0 million tonnes of total waste in 2016, with England being responsible for 85% of the UK total?[1] Over the last two decades, the household waste recycling rate in England has increased significantly from just 11.2% to almost 50%.[2] With those devastating statistics, Global Recycling Day, first celebrated in 2018, has been put in place in order for individuals around the world to remember the importance of recycling in order to create a greener future.

As set out by the Global Recycling Foundation, the mission of Global Recycling Day is:

to tell world leaders that recycling is simply too important not to be a global issue and that a common, joined-up approach to recycling is urgently needed.

to ask people across the planet to think resourcefully and not wastefully when it comes to the use of goods around us – until this happens, we simply won’t award recycled goods the actual value and repurpose they deserve[3].

Our disposability culture is a crucial part of the circular economy, helping to protect our natural resources. From printing, to single-use water bottles, to using reusable foldable containers – we must take opportunities to change our habitual behaviours.

The theme for this year’s Global Recycling Day recognises the people, places, and activities that showcase the critical role that recycling plays in contributing to an environmentally stable planet and a greener future that will benefit us all. #RecyclingHeroes

At InterBay Asset Finance, we take recycling seriously. We have introduced several initiatives, from recycling our shredding, to discouraging the use of single-use bottles, to supplying reusable foldable containers.

However, it is not just about what we do now, and in the future we all need to take stock of our habits and become recycling heroes. As David Attenborough said, “Live the way you want to live but just don’t waste.”

[1] UK Statistics on Waste (publishing.service.gov.uk)

[2] Household waste recycling rates England 2000-2020 | Statista

[3] About - Global Recycling Day