We’re all aware that climate change is a big issue but how can we fight it on an individual level?  It sometimes feels like it’s beyond our powers to change and we look to government leaders and large corporations to take action.

While action from the top is definitely needed, we can all fight climate change in our homes, every day, with one habit: Recycling.

Recycling currently saves 18 million tonnes of CO₂ every year, which is the same as taking 12 million cars off the road. It’s a small action that makes a big difference – and we have the power right at our fingertips!

This year’s Recycle Week is all about stepping up in the fight against climate change by recycling even more. It’s also a great opportunity to thank residents for recycling efforts over the last year, which has placed Devon as second best county in the country for recycling.  Go Devon!

Recycle Week – organised by England’s national recycling campaign, Recycle Now – is fronted by celebrity ambassador and keen environmentalist JJ Chalmers.  The TV Presenter, Invictus Games Medallist and Strictly Come Dancing Star says “I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s campaign. I’m passionate about the environment and how we can battle climate change. I am delighted to be working with the Recycle Now team on what has become a really important week of action across the UK.  I really want to encourage people to look at what they are doing and how they can ‘Step It Up’ and do even more… even better.”

Every year Recycle Week unites retailers, brands, waste management companies, trade associations, national & local governments and the media to focus on how recycling can play a part in limiting the pressure we put on the planet through our use of natural resources.

Getting recycling right

The good news is that we are all recycling more than ever! Latest research from Recycle Now reveals that as a nation, almost 9 out of 10 people recycle regularly. Even better, Devon is now the second best county in the country for recycling with a county wide rate of 56.6 %, so a big thank you goes out to all residents doing their best for the environment.

As much as we’re all doing, 55% of us still put items in the general rubbish bin that can be recycled; including foil, aerosols, and plastic toiletry (shampoo and conditioner bottles), plastic trays and cleaning/bleach bottles. If this sounds familiar, Recycle Week is the time to step it up and start recycling your bathroom items. Need help getting started?  Try these 5 top tips!

Recycling helps reduce our carbon footprint and tackle climate change by reducing the energy required to source and process raw material.

Did you know?

• Making 20 aerosols from recycled materials uses the same energy as making one from scratch
• Making four shampoo bottles from recycled materials uses the same energy as making one from scratch.

Most of us are stepping it up to take climate change down, and recycling is one of the easiest ways to do it. You can take action after having a shower or cleaning the bath!  Just recycle your aerosols and bathroom plastics in your kerbside recycling collection and you’re fighting against climate change!

And if you’re at all unsure about how to recycle a specific item, remember that the Recycle Devon website can show you exactly what needs to go in the recycling container where you live – just pop in your postcode here!

Of course, recycling is a great way to tackle climate change, but reducing our waste is even better.  Not only does it reduce our carbon footprint but it saves us money too. UK households waste 4.5 million tonnes of edible food every year which is costly to our purse and the planet. The average family of four can save just over £60 per month by reducing their food waste! What’s not to love about that?! Find out how you can save money and reduce waste with these food waste saving tips.

Keep up to date throughout Recycle Week 2021 by following Recycle Devon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To find out more about recycling at home visit www.recycledevon.org