Despite increased public awareness about the environmental importance of reusables, the reality is millions of plastic bottles are still used each year, with a significant percentage of these ending up binned or littered.
‘Plastic Bottles: Recycle One and All’ aims to save almost 46 million bottles this year, 25% of the bottles that are currently wasted. The campaign is now asking people to do a small act and recycle at least one extra plastic bottle a week in their home recycling bin.
Any bottle can be recycled (except black) - not just milk and pop, but all food, drink, bathroom and even those that have contained chemicals, such as bleach.
Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Staffordshire County Council said: “Last year in Staffordshire we declared a climate change emergency and made it our priority to protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint. “This campaign marks an important step in us addressing key climate issues by reducing waste and boosting recycling. While the target is ambitious, it’s important that we all do our bit, and it will be more than achievable with residents’ support. It’s a small action for each of us, but together it makes a big difference!”
As well as being educated further about recycling, people will be shown inspiring examples of how recycled plastic bottles can be turned into useful things like park benches, traffic cones and car batteries. Engaging posters and social media will all be used to highlight the benefits and encourage more recycling.
A key part of the campaign will be its work with the county’s schools, raising awareness and getting children and their parents involved in recycling more plastic bottles.
Mark added: “Most of us want to recycle, but there’s a lot of confusion about what can and can’t be recycled. We want to highlight that the one thing everyone in Staffordshire can be sure of is that all their household plastic bottles will be recycled if they’re put in their home recycling bin.“I would always encourage people to wherever possible invest in a reusable bottle or cup but if they do use a plastic bottle, make sure it’s recycled. If we all come together and do this one simple thing, we can make a huge difference to the planet for our children and the public purse. I would urge everyone to take part and spread the word about ‘Plastic Bottles – Recycle One and All’ amongst their friends and on social media using the campaign hashtag.”
The campaign launched at Wilnecote Primary School in Tamworth on Tuesday 3 March. Julie Deakin, Year 4 Class Teacher said: “Our school tries to ensure that the children have an awareness of taking care of the environment. We have an Eco-Committee who take part in things like litter picking and saving energy across school. Being part of an initiative to recycle more plastic bottles is very important and we hope that the children will enjoy taking part in this project and understand the importance of protecting our environment.”
