You can make a difference

UK households produced 30.5 million tonnes of waste in 2003/04, of which only 17% was collected for recycling. This figure is still quite low compared to some of our neighbouring EU countries, some recycling over 50% of their waste (source: www.defra.gov.uk). Can you imagine the effects if we all tried that little bit harder?

How to do your bit

To tell if a product is eco friendly read the label
If your home recycling bin doesn't take plastic bottles, you can deposit them at your local recycling bank
If you can buy plastic bottles in bulk, this reduces packaging waste

Want to do a bit more?

If you don't want to stop there, you can:

Get involved with recycling initiatives in and around your local area
Contact your local council if they're not going far enough to provide recycling bins or sites
Lobby the Government by writing to your local MP

JUICY FACTS

Did you know...

11% of household waste in the UK is plastic, 40% of which comes from the 15M plastic bottles used everyday (source: www.thesite.org www.wasteonline.org.uk)
35% of people believe that it is worth paying extra for products that are ethically produced or kinder to the environment (source: fair-trade Foundation / Mintel 2006)
44% of people try to buy products that are ethically produced or kinder to the environment (source: fair-trade Foundation / Mintel 2006)
Packaging Waste is the 2nd highest concern for GB consumers (source: Nielsen Homescan survey February 2007 - Great Britain)