Why Recycling IS Activism

Global packaging waste is a major issue and plastics are firmly in the firing line.

Today, we’re living among 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic, as reported by National Geographic. If current trends continue, in another 30 years we'll share our oceans, forests and landfill sites with another 4 billion tonnes of the stuff.

The causes are clear. Plastics are made to last, yet out track record on recycling leaves plenty to be desired.

91% of all plastic ever produced has NOT been recycled (National Geographic)

Without doubt, us humans are leaving a big paw print on the planet. The stats are horrendous. But, is recycling really that ineffective? 

As with most things, there's more to the story than the headline.

To mark National Recycling Week in the UK, we've dug a little deeper. The good news? We've unearthed three reasons for cautious optimism. Momentum is leaning in favour of positive change, so let's take a closer look at the numbers.

1. NOT ALL PLASTIC IS EQUAL

A recent study by the University of California found that 40% of all plastic is packaging used just once, and then thrown away.

In a world inhabited by 7.5 billion people, there should be no doubt.

There is NO place on this planet for ANY product which is made to last 100 lifetimes, yet designed for use in a fleeting moment.

The big issue with single-use plastic is its small size. The low weight and cheap polymer choice for single-use plastics make them tricky to recycle cost-effectively. Instead, it often goes straight to landfill or for incineration. Manufacturers are increasingly switching materials for single-use items, but that hasn't stopped Trump selling $500,000 worth of single-use, plastic campaign straws in an outright rejection of the issue.

By boycotting single-use packaging in favour of more sustainable alternatives, we have an enormous opportunity to make a meaningful dent in our waste issue. 

2. NOT ALL COUNTRIES ARE EQUAL

Developed countries recycle more while developing nations are careless with their waste, right? Not so! You'd be forgiven for believing that societal wealth is an indicator of people's willingness to recycle. In reality, that's not the case. 

India leads the international recycling league table with a sizeable 60% recycling rate for plastics. In Europe, it's somewhere between 30% and 41%, depending on your source. USA, the world's largest economy, recycled just 9% of its plastic. More important than our wealth is our attitude. As individuals and as a collective society we can lead the way to a more sustainable future.  

3. WE'RE GETTING BETTER AT IT

Recycling rates have increased by +74% over the past 10 years across Europe. Greater awareness, new technologies and public policy are driving improvements in both our willingness and ability to recycle.

There's still a long way to go. Whether you're recycling 9% in Michigan, or 60% in Mumbai, the urgency for change is clear.

The #GlobalClimateStrike on Friday the 20th September 2019 marked a change in the tide. From Sydney to New York we are awakening in ever greater numbers to the need to tackle our Climate Crisis in all its forms. Whether it's carbon driven climate change or taking responsibility for our waste the time for action is now.

To live with nature, rather than drown it in our left-overs, we need to find ways to do more with less. Fewer resources per walking-talking human on our planet, less carbon in our trailblazing footprint and less packaging in landfill, whatever the material.

So how do we tackle waste, while enjoying the things we love, especially when they're all packaged-up?

Before writing-off packaging in its entirety, we should give credit where it's due. It keeps our products fresh. It helps us spot the stuff we like from the stuff we don't. It's even used to share life-saving information on things like allergens. But when all is said and done, packaging can mostly be divided into two sorts:

/ good, environmentally friendly packaging.

/ bad, plain ugly, so-wasteful-it-makes-us-angry packaging. 

Brands have a huge role to play in giving us more of the first, and less of the latter. But as individuals, we have the power to make a difference too. And we can make a difference by doubling down and going back to the basics. It all starts with a roar (of sorts). We need to G'RRR. 

"G’what"?

G’RRR! G'RRR like you've never G'RRR'ed before.

Get Reducing. Reusing. Recycling.

And growl too, if it makes you feel good.