Global Recycling Day is an annual event which serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the environment. It was established as a UN-recognised day in 2018 and since then has enabled millions of people and groups globally to raise the reasons why we need to recycle and maintain sustainable practices in our everyday lives. This year’s theme is 'seeing not waste, but opportunity'.
We can see that annually the planet yields billions of tons of natural resources that are transformed into consumables. But this creates waste, and we need to understand that at some point, these resources will be depleted. If we re-evaluate what we throw away, look at other opportunities of use, or break down for material, it will allow us to contribute to a more sustainable future and support future generations.
Generally, the Global Recycling Foundation, which is facilitating this day, wants the public to think again about what we throw away. The circular economy places a strong emphasis on recycling and minimising waste and emissions. This in turn helps reduce the use of and protects our natural resources. Estimates show that recycling prevents more than 700 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, and it is projected that this number will reach one billion tonnes by the year 2030. Recycling is, without a doubt, a front-line strategy to help save the environment. Newspapers, plastic water bottles, drink cans, cereal boxes, and cartons are some common everyday items which we can recycle and reduce our impact on the Earth and our lives, more profoundly.
So, let’s embrace recycling, reduce waste, and work together to create a cleaner, greener world. It’s an essential shift toward sustainability, unlocking potential economic value while reducing environmental impact.
What is going on at WEA to support this?
WEA in its Green Curriculum aims to educate, inspire, and empower individuals and communities to act towards a more sustainable future. They look at the sciences behind climate change, how to deal with green issues, permaculture, and the more organic subjects regarding the environment. Under the Humanities and Science category in Nature, Ecology & Permaculture, the WEA is delivering several courses which will discuss the subject of recycling and its problems.
- Green solutions
- Introduction to environmental sustainability
- Permaculture design certificate
- A guide to better greener living
- Introduction to green issues
- Understanding the climate emergency
- Protecting nature and built-up environment
- The eco-conscious personal transformation
- NCFE Level 2 certificate – understanding climate change and environmental awareness
Let’s continue working together to reduce our waste footprint and educate others to find sustainable solutions!
