LONDONERS URGED TO ADOPT ASIAN RECYCLING ATTITUDES
(3 September 2003)

September 2nd 2003 saw the Greater London Authority launch 'Recycle for London', a new initiative to encourage Londoner's to take action and start recycling everything they possibly can. The London Recycling Fund, set up by the Mayor, the Association of London Government and London Waste Action are distributing a total of £24.9 million to London boroughs in, specifically for projects, including 'Recycle for London' that will make recycling easier for all Londoners.

Sumit Bose, BBC 'Inside Out' Presenter said "I've never been a great Eco warrior but I do believe in trying to recycle what you can. It's funny, in India we're great at it - people collect paper, plastic and bottles and make a living from it. I've always done a bit and recently my council has introduced a recycle box where I can collect my paper, bottles, cans and plastic. It's free and great to do. I know it seems a pain but if we each do what we can - it really will make a difference."

Currently, Londoners produce 3.4 million tonnes of waste each year - this is equivalent to each person annually throwing away seven times their own weight in rubbish. This means that London households produce enough rubbish to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool every hour or to fill an area the size of the Canary Wharf tower every ten days!

Actor, Raj Ghatak who stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'Bombay Dreams' is a London resident supporting the campaign. "In the fast moving times we live in, I think it's essential to be aware of the potential damage that we are causing the planet. It is also essential to do what you can. That's why recycling is so important. There is no amount that is too small to be recycled, and everybody should be making an effort. I have been recycling paper and glass for many years in my effort to help the planet."

In fact, only 9% of Londoners' waste is recycled at the moment and government figures show that this must increase to 25% by 2005. This means that Londoner's who recycle a little must now recycle a lot: junk mail as well as newspapers, glass jars as well as wine bottles, all white goods and old shoes and clothes.

People often consider getting recyclable waste to the nearest recycling banks difficult, particularly if they don't have a car. Over 57% of Londoner's have access to recycling collections from home but half of these people do not know they exist. The campaign will launch with a dedicated website, www.recycleforlondon.com, and helpline number, 08453 313131, which will make it easy for Londoners to find out about recycling services specific to their borough, including information on recycling collections from home.

News presenter Lisa Aziz said of the project: "Recycle for London is a fantastic campaign. It is really important that we all keep London as clean and pleasant as possible. Although I have been recycling the basics for over ten years, I didn't realise that you could recycle so many other things. I will definitely recycling more from now on."

EastEnders actress Pooja Shah added: I've always recycled newspaper, bottles and cans but I didn't realise you could recycle other stuff such as clothes and shoes. So, I'll be doing a lot more from now on"

London's Mayor, Ken Livingstone, said: 'This campaign is essential to the future of all Londoners, and it is important that Londoners do recycle more. That includes recycling glass jars as well as bottles, food cans in addition to drink cans, unwanted clothes and linen, and to compost garden and kitchen waste. These are all simple actions that people can take which will make a big difference to improving the amount of waste London produces, and ultimately the environment we live in.'

Ken Livingstone and Elliot Morley MP launched the campaign by unveiling a work of art, commissioned by the GLA, for Londoner's to enjoy. The artwork will be 6 ft 6inches high and 12 foot long and will depict the London skyline made up of recyclable materials with Londoners walking in front of it. The artwork will tour London once it is unveiled and will appear at The London Design Festival.

Click here for a 'Recycle for London' fact sheet (252KB, )

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