Recycling has reduced the UK’s carbon emissions by between 10 and 15 million tonnes per annum - the equivalent of taking 3.5 million cars off the country’s roads, according to the government-backed Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Official figures indicate that recycling of domestic refuse has almost doubled in the UK over the last three years. However, a report from WRAP warns that the UK’s recycling rate is still not as high as those achieved in many other European countries. The organisation also suggests that the UK is suffering the effects of a lack of high-quality recycling centres.
Also in the UK, leading retailer Marks & Spencer has announced a £200 million (Euro 300 million) plan to cut the environmental impact of its operations. Among other initiatives, the company is pledging to: use packaging made from sustainable or recycled materials; ensure polyester clothing is made from recycled plastic bottles; reduce packaging by some 25%; reduce its use of plastic carrier bags; and print symbols on packaging to help customers identify recyclable materials.
The company is also planning to trial closed-loop recycling in six of its cafes.
