Waste not, want not - navigating recycling at UWE

A guide to unravelling the whys and whims of eco-friendly behaviour in your accommodation - by Anouk Mares-Coulston (UWE Student Life Assistant)

The Plastic Pandemic

Conducted over a week in May, The Big Plastic Count run by Greenpeace and Everyday plastics engaged nearly 100,000 households to meticulously document their plastic usage. The staggering result? An average participating household discarded a shocking 66 pieces of plastic in just one week. Extrapolating from these figures, Greenpeace, and Everyday Plastic estimates that the UK disposes of around 100 billion pieces of plastic annually. More information on this at: HERE

Recycling alone isn’t the fix.

So, here is the reality check: expecting recycling to be our plastic saviour is unfortunately a form of industry green washing. The UK churns out a mind-boggling hundred billion plastic pieces, and recycling? A tiny superhero in a sea of plastic chaos.

Now, before I leave you in a pit of eco-despair, here are some ways that YOU can make a difference, along with some fabulous groups making waves in the world of plastic reduction.

Trash talk turned trendy.

Eco-brick

The first on the list of eco-enthusiasts are the global Eco brick alliance who have found one possible solution. An Eco brick is a plastic bottle, packed with clean and dry used plastic. This method transforms plastic waste into reusable building blocks, with the hope of sequestering plastic and preventing it from degrading into toxins and microplastics. Moreover, the hands-on process of eco bricking promotes regenerative alternatives – a concept that is known as plastic transition. So, as we navigate the maze of recycling and sustainability, consider adding Eco bricks to your eco-friendly toolkit! This link will lead you to everything eco-brick: HERE

Greenpeace

Next on the list is of course Greenpeace. Familiar to many, Greenpeace offers a platform for impactful action without financial barriers. They champion initiatives like the Big Plastic Count, rallying individuals to participate in documenting plastic usage. By amassing data through collective efforts, Greenpeace aims to wield these figures as a tool for pressuring our government to take substantive action. Their website provides a comprehensive guide on how you can contribute to this vital cause. Visit the link provided to learn more: HERE

Surfrider Foundation

Another on the list is a charity named the Surfrider Foundation. Established in 1984 by a group of surfers determined to preserve their cherished beaches from development this foundation has burgeoned into a formidable force in combating plastic pollution across the United States. Over the years, they’ve become one of the largest grassroots organizations devoted to this cause.

(A quick lesson, what is grassroots? Grassroots movements are born from the passion and initiative of individuals who rally around a diverse array of issues, ranging from local concerns to global challenges. Unlike initiatives orchestrated from the top-down by governments or organizations with specific agendas, grassroots movements organically GROW and gain momentum, evolving into broader movements or organizations driven by the collective will and energy of people).

Ok, back to what Surfrider Foundations are all about. They take a hands-on approach to addressing plastic pollution, launching impactful campaigns nationwide. These initiatives advocate for sustainable alternatives to everyday products, pushing for the enactment of bans and regulations targeting single-use plastics.

These efforts really do pay off and Surfrider Foundation is a perfect example of changes being made. Since its

founding, they have celebrated numerous victories on the legislative front, tallying over 330 wins concerning plastic pollution. Notable among these successes are the federal Save Our Seas Act and the Microbead-Free Waters Act in the USA. Additionally, this commitment extends to practical action, with over 2,000 beach clean-ups organized. Info HERE

So there really is hope, even amidst the challenges we face there exists a collective strength and determination to effect positive change.

What can you do at UWE?

The root issue: a relationship of plastic and vegetable

Plastic-free grocery shopping

You spot a solo, unadorned onion standing proudly, but it looks suspiciously lonely compared to its five-pack, plastic-shielded neighbours. Adding a sting to the injury, this naked onion is more expensive than the plastic covered comrades that are now becoming increasingly more tempting. This seems to be the case for most environmentally friendly choices everywhere, and as a student myself, I do not have the money for pricey produce.

The broke student’s lament: eco-friendly on a budget.

For those who don’t have a car – Frenchay has a fruit and veg stall! A lovely cheap alternative near the entrance of the campus where a friendly price tag waves a hello and a vegetable looks at you with a glint of responsible sourcing in its eye.

Recycling to resolution: An optimistic conclusion.

I hope this has sparked excitement within you about the many ways you can make a difference, from simple tweaks in your recycling habits to larger-scale actions. If you’re curious or seeking more information on how you can contribute, I highly recommend exploring the vast array of resources online. Unlike searching for cold symptoms, you may be pleasantly surprised by the wealth of caring individuals and inspiring initiatives.

While it may sometimes feel futile, remember when we come together change becomes inevitable, with every small effort contributing to a greater impact.