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LET’S ALL RECYCLE FOR A BETTER FUTURE – UNIVERSITIES HELP STUDENTS MAKE THE GRADE ON RECYCLING

LET’S ALL RECYCLE FOR A BETTER FUTURE – UNIVERSITIES HELP STUDENTS MAKE THE GRADE ON RECYCLING

We all know that the great benefit of glass is that it is 100% recyclable and does not harm the environment, helping make a more sustainable future. With this in mind, we were very disappointed to learn that a recent YouGov poll of 2,500 people in the UK found that only 57% of 18-24 year olds considered it very important to recycle as much as possible.

Estelle Brachlianoff, of Veolia, the company behind the survey said:

“We specifically see this in areas with a high student population where we find large amounts of contamination in their recycling. For many this is because it is their first time away from home, for others they may not see it as being their problem and for some they are confused as the rules are different from where they lived before.”

A number of Universities are now reminding students about the benefits of recycling on their websites and around campuses. For example, the University of Hertfordshire has various awareness campaigns running from waste awareness days, to contractor roadshows, quizzes and waste sorts. And it’s working! Since its waste strategy was launched in 2008, the University’s recycling rates have more than doubled.

At Friends of Glass we say recycling is something that every individual can do to help the environment every day and the good news is that it is easier to do than it has ever been in the past.

Do you agree? How do you think students could be encouraged to recycle more? Share your views with us.