What’s the deal with recycling?

The topic of recycling has been a focus since the UK hosted the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Glasgow over 31st October – 12th November.  More than 190 world leaders came together in the hope of reaching an agreement on how to tackle climate change and reduce emissions.

All rather high level stuff and we certainly don’t envy the challenge they have set themselves!  Luckily there are some individual steps we can take to play our part in helping the environment.

Recycling and Climate Change

Climate change and waste are problems that continue to grow around the world.  Recycling is beneficial in the fight to avert the climate crisis – by limiting the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and the amount of raw materials being used.  Reduction in both can result in fewer CO2 emissions which is an important factor in the climate crisis.

The easiest things you can do to play your part include buying products that are made from recycled materials, recycle everything that you are able to and cut down on the amount of disposable items you buy and replace them with reusable items instead.

Sounds simple, right?

So what’s the deal with recycling and how can you help?

1. Check out your recycling bins and find out what you can put in each. Don’t mix materials.  Make space by flattening items and ensure any bottles and cans etc are rinsed out in order to make the whole process as efficient as possible.
2. Reuse as many items as you can – can you find another use for glass jars and bottles? Buy reusable alternatives to everyday items such as bags, straws, toothbrushes and water bottles.
3. Think about your leftovers and food waste. We produce over 7 million tonnes of food waster in the UK every year!  You can help reduce this figure by turning leftover food into more delicious meals.  Vegetables can be made into yummy soup and extra from your dinner can be stored in the freezer for a quick and easy meal another day.  Check out some recipe ideas here.

Recycling can seem like a chore but it doesn’t take long to get into the habit and a few small changes could really help affect our environment and community in a positive way.

Go plastic free?

You could even set yourself a challenge – can you go plastic free for 2 weeks or even one month?  Could you aim to be waste neutral?  Challenge your housemates to join in, it could be fun and even save you money in the process so it’s win-win!

For more information visit https://recycling.co.uk

You can also contact us on 07791 248744 or email enquiries@glsh.co.uk.  For more hints and tips to help with student life head over to https://gloucesterstudenthouses.co.uk/the-kitchen-table/