People are being encouraged to make a special effort to go green this week as Recycling Week 2016 gets underway from September 12-18.
They are being asked to think outside the box when it comes to the items we throw away, and look at alternative materials which could contribute to a more environmentally friendly home.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, urged people to become more aware of ‘The Unusual Suspects’ when it comes to recycling.
“While we are all getting better at recycling and becoming more environmentally aware, Recycling Week is the perfect opportunity for us to review our practices and find out more about new ways to improve our recycling habits.
“I was surprised when I read the list of additional items which can be recycled and the amount of energy which can be saved by just recycling a few extra household items a year. I hope everyone will read the advice and add to their list of recyclables.”
Council Waste and Recycling Officer Julie Hannaway said: “We know people across Derry and Strabane recycle plastic drinks bottles, food and drink cans, jam jars, cardboard boxes and newspapers, but ‘The Unusual Suspects’ such as aerosol cans and toilet roll tubes are often missed.
“Paper and cardboard items such as toothpaste boxes and tissue boxes are perfect examples. If everyone in the UK recycled one toothpaste box, it would save enough energy to run a fridge in over 2,000 homes for a year.
“Recycling is already making a big difference. It saves energy which helps the environment, so it’s great to keep up the good work! Recycle Week is an ideal time for Derry and Strabane residents to really take a fresh look at their recycling habits, and to see if there are any opportunities to recycle even more items.
“I’m delighted to see local schools getting behind the campaign including Thornhill College who are having a ‘Clear out your pencil case day’. The school is calling on all local schools to set up a recycling point for old Markers, Pens, Highlighters and Tippex bottles. I would love to see all schools supporting the idea and setting up similar schemes.”
Recycling items which are often overlooked by householders include perfume or aftershave bottles and aluminium deodorant and air freshener aerosol cans.
If everyone in the UK recycled one aluminium deodorant aerosol can, enough energy could be saved to vacuum over 480,000 homes for a year.
Or, if everyone in the UK recycled one air freshener aerosol can, enough energy could be saved to run a fridge for over 91,000 homes for a year.
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