Australia National Recycling Week
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repeat: It's a Winning Beat!
As we celebrate National Recycling Week 2023, did you know that Australians are among the highest producers of rubbish globally, and half of this rubbish goes to landfill rather than being recycled? Shockingly, only about 13% of our waste gets a second life!
On the positive side, Australians are now recycling more than ever! We’re global Leaders when it comes to paper and cardboard recycling, hitting an awesome 87% recycle rate.
Here are 4 captivating facts:
🌊 Soft plastic makes up 85% of Australia’s landfill, while bottles tossed into the ocean endure a staggering 450 years of decomposition! Now, here’s a fascinating revelation – with just 5 recycled plastic bottles, we can craft a stylish XL T-shirt, a cozy sweater with 27 bottles, and a snug sleeping bag with 35 bottles.
🥂 Glass takes more than 1 million years to break down, and over 14 million glass bottles and jars end up in landfills annually. The silver lining – glass is infinitely recyclable! Recycle one glass bottle, and it can save enough energy to power a 100-watt bulb for four hours, a computer for 30 minutes, or a TV for 20 minutes.
🛍️ Fashion Footprint: Each year, three-quarters of our wardrobe is thrown out, with only 30% recycled/donated. Time to rethink our fashion choices!
📜 While paper can be recycled 5–7 times before reaching its disposal stage. If the average Aussie family increased paper recycling just by 10%, we could save about 5 million trees annually!
So, how can we change the game?
Follow this 3 tips:
Embrace the magical Reduce, Reuse, Recycle circle.
Start by reducing your consumption and opting for reusables instead of buying new items—recycling should be your last resort!
2. Explore Local
If you find it hard to locate battery, cardboard, or clothes recycling spots, check out the recycling programs and facilities in your area! There are heaps of initiatives to help us to recycle!
3. Recycling is a Habit
Like any habit, it takes time to adopt. Take on the 30-day Recycling Challenge by Cleanaway to get yourself and your fam hooked on helping the planet!
As we mark National Recycling Week 2023, the power to shape a greener tomorrow lies in the seemingly simple decisions we make today. Whether it’s minimizing plastic, recycling glass, or reevaluating our fashion choices, every thoughtful choice propels us toward a more sustainable future.
Let’s sow the seeds of change for a brighter and more eco-conscious future! 🌱♻️