Why go Beyond Recycling?
Recycling is better than not recycling. But it comes at a much bigger cost, environmentally and financially, than we might like to believe. Recycling is in danger of becoming the 'Great Green Easy', making us feel good about unsustainable levels of consumption. 'It doesn't matter how much I consume so long as I recycle most of it, right?' Wrong.
Waste prevention includes the forgotten first two Rs - reduce and reuse, and is also about avoidance - designing out waste, favouring quality over quantity and reducing the hazardousness of waste. For more on waste prevention and why we must swiftly go Beyond Recycling why not read this article by Mike Read.
And importantly waste prevention will save you money.
Waste prevention is rising rapidly up local, regional and national agendas. If you would like help with any waste prevention initiative, policy, or monitoring please contact us.
Recycling is an Interesting Layby: Mike Read writes in Resource magazine.