recovery and reuse
Recycling
Recycling is no longer an option for today's 'throw-away society'. Over the last 50 years, the richer Western countries have largely given up mending and repairing, preferring instead to buy new products. Having something new, the latest fashion or 'cool' gadget, has been seen as a sign of our material progress and success. We are a consumer society, and have become comfortable with consuming as much as we can, but we cannot go on this way.
The problem is that consumption of such levels inevitably generates waste. So as we consume more and more - both individually and collectively as populations grow - so the amount of waste we produce becomes a mountain! We are running out of ways to dispose of or hide the mountains of rubbish we create, not to mention incinerating them and releasing noxious gases into the atmosphere.
So encouraging recycling makes sense for everyone. In fact, it is essential. Not only do we need to reduce waste, but also consumption on present levels is not sustainable in the long term, according to most experts. Recycling helps in both areas. It means that we get more out of the raw materials we consume, by using them several times over. And so it means less waste needs to be disposed of too.
To help you think about more ways to recycle the goods you and your family consume, we have provided the following 'Recycling A-Z'.
Happy recycling!
Elliot Morley MP, Minister of State for Climate Change and Environment
"Printer Cartridge recycling is an important step towards sustainable waste management. It helps the environment immensely in many ways from waste reduction, to energy and resource conservation. Each year it prevents more than 300 tonnes of plastic being dumped in landfill sites. The scheme has also raised much needed funds for charities and NHS trusts. I would urge everyone - local authorities, NHS trusts, businesses and individuals to start recycling printer cartridges by joining this free, simple and easy recycling programme. Join Commander Cartridge in his quest to help the environment by simply recycling printer cartridges!"
Deputy Minister supports Tommy's, the baby charity
Meg Munn MP, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, is supporting Tommy's, the baby charity. Empty printer cartridges from her office are going to Tommy's recycling scheme. This raises funds for the charity, while also helping the environment.
Meg Munn said, 'I support Tommy's because each year over 40,000 babies are born too small or too soon. One in four women experience miscarriage. Money raised by recycling helps Tommy's continue their valuable work. The scheme also reuses items which would otherwise go into landfill.'
Karen Wint, Tommy's Director of Fundraising, said: 'Tommy's is thrilled to have Meg Munn's support. Her standing as an MP and Deputy Minister for Women and Equality will encourage others to support Tommy's vital research. We believe every baby deserves the best start in life.'
EBP runs the scheme. Managing Director Pat Stead said: 'This personal backing from Meg Munn is great. We are proud that our schemes help charities and the environment at the same time. They offer everyone a simple, totally free, and environmentally excellent way to support good causes like Tommy's! Millions of cartridges are binned that could be recycled. Helping us collect them could raise millions for charities! So log onto www.inkagain.co.uk and ask for a free recycling bag!'
Tommy's and EBP started working together 8 years ago. To date £350,000 has been raised by the scheme, and supporters can help Tommy's to exceed the £½ million target. For more information about Tommy's visit www.tommys.org.
End
18 October 2005
> This document was last modified: 29 August 2006
