Protecting the Planet

With Earth Day on April 22nd, Matthew Mallinson discusses how you can prevent climate change through simple tactics like reusing plastic bags and recycling items like paper and cans.

Earth Day is an annual event, raising awareness of climate change and encouraging people to think a little greener. This year you can do a few simple things to help the planet, starting at home. 

One of the easiest things you can do is recycle as much as possible. All you need to do is ensure that all recyclable products are going in the recycle bin. To make this less of a chore, place a second bin in the kitchen that is dedicated to recyclables. On average about 60% of the rubbish that ends up in the dustbin could have been recycled. Signage saying what can be recycled, which you can print out online, will help your family know what goes in which bin. 

You can reuse shopping bags, so that less are thrown away. If a plastic bag is broken beyond repair, many supermarkets have facilities to recycle them in store. Alternatively you can buy the much stronger and long lasting ‘bags for life’ that most supermarkets provide for about 10p.

At work you can also encourage responsible e-waste recycling, as opposed to throwing used electronics in to landfills. To reduce carbon emissions you can encourage car pooling, and walk or cycle short distances. 

In addition to items such as paper and cans which are largely recycled, there are places which recycle specific items. A scheme started by GlaxoSmithKline allows you to recycle your old inhalers at your local pharmacy. Landfill disposal of inhalers is harmful to the environment both in material waste and in greenhouse gas emissions should the gas canisters become pierced or crushed and the propellant released. Many of the old inhalers can be made in to new ones, any left over gas is harnessed and used for fuel.

If you want to get rid of your outdated video tapes, you can either send them to the ReCyclingpeople or donate them to charity shops. Companies like Music Magpie do similar things for CDs and DVDs and will even give you money for them. Envirophone will take your old phone, also paying you, and safely recycle the phone if they can’t sell it on.

These are just a few ways you can help to protect the planet and Earth Day is a great time to think green. 

For more information visit: http://www.recyclenow.com/

[Originally published by Vine Magazine]