18 Mar Global Recycling Day
Today marks the third annual Global Recycling Day, a day that takes place every 18th March to recognise the contribution recycling industry makes to the long term sustainability of our planet. Even in times as uncertain as the ones we are facing right now, environmental impact and our role in mitigating it, has to be a global priority. This year the theme of Global Recycling Day has been Recycling Heroes, as we look to champion the difference we each, as individuals in our communities, can make to world around us.
Every year, the Earth yields billions of tons of natural resources and at some point, in the not too distant future, it will run out.
That’s why we must think again about what we throw away – seeing not waste, but opportunity.
The last decade has been the hottest on record, and we are now facing a climate emergency of unparalleled proportions. If we don’t make significant and rapid changes, we will see continued rising global temperatures, the melting of icecaps, continents on fire and rapid deforestation.
This directly affects humanity with increased poverty, immigration from displaced communities, job losses, waste mountains and natural habitats disappearing. We have the power to make lasting changes to combat this, and with recycling being recognized in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030, we are already seeing many individuals, governments and organisations taking direct action to support the global green agenda.
Recycling is a key part of the circular economy, helping to protect our natural resources. Each year the ‘Seventh Resource’ (recyclables) saves over 700 million tonnes in CO2 emissions and this is projected to increase to 1 billion tons by 2030. There is no doubt recycling is on the front line in the war to save the future of our planet and humanity.
The Global Recycling Foundation is pleased to announce the theme of Global Recycling Day 2020 as #RecyclingHeroes. This will recognise the people, places and activities that showcase what an important role recycling plays in contributing to an environmentally stable planet and a greener future which will benefit all.
Global Recycling Day was created in 2018 to help recognise, and celebrate, the importance recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources and securing the future of our planet. It is a day for the world to come together and put the planet first.
Why Global Recycling Day?
The Global Recycling Foundation wanted to share their two-part mission with the world. Their mission 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 resource, not waste, when it comes to the goods around us – until this happens, we simply won’t award recycled goods the true value and repurpose they deserve.
In 2018 Global Recycling Day was established by the Global Recycling Foundation to “help recognise, and celebrate, the importance recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources and securing the future of our planet. It is a day for the world to come together and put the planet first.”
What Can You Do?
As a business, you may be asking yourself, “What can we do to participate in Global Recycling Day?” and the answer is really simple: Recycle. That’s right, if you want to participate in Global Recycling Day then all you have to do is recycle.
Of course, if you’re looking to mark the day in a special way, here are some ideas you can take as a business owner to have your whole company participate in Global Recycling Day:
- Provide the Right Resources. Does your office have a centralised recycling centre? Do you have enough bins to handle all of your recycling? Are your bins properly labeled so that the correct items are being disposed of properly and will avoid going to the landfill? Make sure you do so that recycling is a part of your business culture. Your waste management and recycling company can help make sure you are properly equipped to handle your recycling needs.
- Participate in a Special Recycling Event. Perhaps as a team you can take some time to participate in a recycling event. Take the time to get rid of those obsolete electronics that are cluttering a closet at the office or shred the important documents that are overdue. Once again, your recycling company can aid with proper disposal.
#GlobalRecyclingDay #RecyclingHeroes