Waste

5 May 2010

What a load of rubbish!

Each year we produce enough waste to fill dustbins stretching from the UK to the moon.

The world's resources are running out. And the amount we use is having a damaging effect on our environment.

But instead of making the most of what we have, we are trapped in a cycle of chucking out the old and buying new.

The problem is:

• we make too much stuff
• we throw too much away.

And the burning of fossil fuels used in creating new products and disposing of waste is contributing to climate change.

Waste Disposal

Most of our waste is burned or buried.

Incineration:

• wasteful of resources and energy
• damaging for recycling
• causes pollution.

Landfill:

• releases climate change gases
• threatens our quality of life.

Want to get active?

• Cut down on buying new stuff - swap books and CDs with friends instead.
• Don't chuck it - donate clothes, books, and shoes to your local charity shop.
• Compost your biodegradable waste at home.
• Start recycling at school.

Find about more about waste >

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