March 18 is World Recycling Day: interesting facts about this day

Every year, the Earth provides billions of tons of natural resources to humanity, and one day, in the near future, they will definitely run out. That's why on March 18, environmentalists are calling on people, communities, and businesses to think again about what we throw away and see it as an opportunity rather than waste.

EcoPolitic has prepared for its readers interesting facts about World Recycling Day, the benefits of recycling, and easy ways each of us can contribute to recycling more waste.

When and who started World Recycling Day?

This holiday – Global Recycling Day – is celebrated every year on March 18 to draw attention to the problem of garbage and the need for proper recycling.

It was celebrated for the first time in 2018. The Global Recycling Foundation (GRF) initiated the World Recycling Day. The main message of this day: “Garbage is a resource”.

The mission of World Recycling Day, as defined by GRF, has two components:

1. To tell world leaders that recycling is too important not to be a global issue, and that a shared, unified approach to recycling is urgently needed.
2. To urge people around the planet to think about resources, not waste, when it comes to the products that surround us.

“Until this happens, we simply cannot give recycled goods the true value and reuse they deserve,” the Foundation believes.

In addition, World Recycling Day aims to:

• engage the public in environmental initiatives for waste sorting and reuse;
• increase the responsibility of producers for waste;
• spread knowledge about proper sorting and recycling.

This day also reminds us that recycling is not just a trend, but a vital practice for preserving the planet's resources.

Every year on March 18, campaigns, thematic exhibitions, and educational events are held around the world to call for more environmentally friendly consumption of resources.

Interesting facts about waste recycling

1. Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees. In addition to trees, it saves 26,000 liters of water and reduces CO₂ emissions.
2. Glass can be recycled endlessly. It does not lose its quality even after repeated processing.
3. Recycling aluminum saves 95% of energy. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough electricity to power a TV for 3 hours.
4. Plastic waste can be turned into... clothes! Many brands are already creating sportswear and swimwear from recycled plastic.
5. More than 2 billion tons of garbage are generated annually in the world.
6. Only 9% of plastic is recycled, the rest pollutes the environment.
   60% of the waste that ends up in landfills could be recycled or reused.

Why do we need recycling?

Recycling is the process of turning waste into new materials. It helps to:

• Reduce the amount of waste in landfills that pollute the environment.
• Save natural resources. For example, paper made from recycled materials saves forests.
• Save energy, as production from recycled materials requires fewer resources. For example, recycling an aluminum can saves 95% of the energy that would have been spent on producing a new one.
• Reduce CO₂ emissions by reducing the production of new goods, which contributes to the fight against climate change.

How can each of us help reduce waste?

Here are some simple habits that will help reduce the amount of garbage:

1. Use reusable bags and bottles.
2. Buy goods in eco-friendly packaging.
3. Try to repair things instead of throwing them away.
4. Participate in environmental initiatives (cleaning campaigns, tree planting).
5. Avoid disposable plastic products (straws, cups).

World Recycling Day is a great opportunity to reconsider your habits and take steps towards a greener lifestyle. Start small: sort your garbage, refuse unnecessary plastic, and share this information with others.

Recently, EcoPolitic reported that Bucha is introducing separate garbage collection not only for multi-storey buildings, but also for the private sector.