We all know we should be recycling daily. We know that it is good for the environment and we know that if we do, we will be aiding in reducing our carbon footprint and ultimately, making a different in our own little way. But no matter what we are told, somehow, it just seems easier throwing all of our trash in one bin instead separating our waste and dividing it between recyclable and non-recyclable goods. London Mayor, Boris Johnson has made it his aim to encourage London residents to begin the easy process of recycling and help the already considerably polluted city become cleaner.
Mayor Boris recently revealed his aims for London’s waste problem and feels that recycling will decrease the amount of trash being placed in landfills. Boris feels that individuals do not take the time and effort to recycle owing to the fact that many flats and rented properties do not have appropriate recycling areas and the correct facilities that would encourage them to separate their glass, paper and cans from their other trash. Boris has said recently that he fully supports projects and initiatives that are currently in the process of exploring the conversion of waste into energy.
Known as the Waste Strategy, the mayor hopes to be able to divert all of London’s trash away from its landfill and hopes to achieve this by the year 2025. Not only will this benefit London’s environment, it will also save the city in the range of £90m. London’s recycling rate is not at the top of the UK list, and even though it is slowly improving, it is still lower in comparison to other European countries.
The mayor aims to improve the recycling rate of 29% to a more pleasing rate of 45% in 2015 and feels that the initiative should start with encouraging companies to use less packaging in their products. Boris also hopes that a better recycling collection service will encourage individuals to recycle because they know that the recycling bag will not be left outside for days without collection.
Even though many of us do not seem to be recycling on a daily basis, there are more and more individuals who are placing two bins in their home instead of one and this is resulting in a cleaner and lest wasteful London. Recycle For London shows that Londoners are beginning to want to make a change by recycling the rubbish in their bins. From 2008 – 2009, the rate of recycling went up 3% and is predicted to rise considerably in the year 2010.
The rise of recycling also resulted in the lowering of the amount of waste that was sent to the landfill in that time frame. This result is extremely positive due to the fact that the less waste there is in the landfill the less chance there is of the landfill overflowing. Recycle For London also provides the public with the latest online news as well as how to recycle your waste properly in your home.
So when we are complaining at our significant other to please take the trash our of our Fulham property or London flat and place it in the bins, take the few extra minutes out of your time to separate your trash and know that your recycling is helping the environment and your city.
