In 2014, the economic activities and households of the 27 countries making up the EU produced around 2,503 million tonnes of waste. The UK produced the third most, with each citizen wasting the equivalent of 3,885 kg. Although much of this waste can now be recycled, we still have problems with the pollution and litter created. In this blog, we will be talking about the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) and how everyone can try to combat these high levels of waste.
What is the EWWR?
The European Week for Waste Reduction is an initiative that was set up to promote the implementation of awareness-raising actions about sustainable resources and waste management. The project runs throughout the EU and organises different events where people can take part in a range of activities to clean their surroundings of waste. This year, the initiative is running from the 18th November to the 26th November 2017.
The initiative lasts one week every year, and runs with four main themes of action:
- Reduce – Limit the number of packaging, food waste and other waste produced in Europe.
- Re-use – Reduce the amount of waste, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, strain on natural resources produced by re-using products and extending their lifespans.
- Recycle – Reduce the number of products and resources wasted, as well as pollution created from disposing of them by recycling them.
- Clean up Europe – Aiming to clean litter from Europe’s oceans, forests, beaches and the other places effected by the waste produced in the EU.
Sweden’s recycling policy
Sweden has one of the most effective recycling policies in the world. In 1975, Sweden recycled only 38% of the household waste that the country produced, but in 2012 they recycled more than 99% of household waste. It is law there that recycling station be no more than 300 metres away from any residential area. Although this rule may be unrealistic given the population difference between the UK and Sweden, we should take inspiration from their policy.
Click here to read more about Sweden’s recycling policy and how they combat their household waste.
Feeling inspired by the EWWR and want to responsibly deal with your waste? We can supply you with a range of skips. Call us on 01493 668118 or email us on info@wtskiphire.co.uk.
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