Scotland Drives Initiatives For Waste Reduction Week

23 November 2011

Cutting down on waste is the goal of more than 200 actions and events in Scotland this week, with individuals, schools, community groups, local authorities and businesses taking part in European Week for Waste Reduction, which runs until this Sunday (27 November)

According to recent research, Scotland could save at least £2.3bn if it reduced waste and took full advantage of its resources.　

Scotland's economy relies on raw materials, such as aggregates used in construction and copper used in electrical components, which are becoming scarce globally.　Prices of copper rose by 400 percent between 2000 and 2008.　

To mark European Week for Waste Reduction, Zero Waste Scotland has led a number of initiatives to encourage people to do more to reduce waste over the week.　　

Moray Council's "reuse and repair drive" will encourage pupils from local schools to bring in unwanted or broken electronic and electrical equipment for collection. Waste advisors will also be posted at recycling centres across the area to prompt people to ask whether their waste is reusable before sending it for recycling.　

A screening of Academy Award nominated film, "Wasteland" on 22 November at the University of Stirling Campus cinema, organised by local charity Forth Environment Link.

A "Take 1 at a time" promotion led nationwide by NHS Scotland - to encourage a reduction in paper towel usage.

The Wise Group, a social enterprise based in Glasgow, will focus on food waste prevention with advice stalls in supermarkets and winter festivals.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "By taking part in this European initiative, organisations across Scotland have highlighted how we can all make better use of our resources. Scotland has ambitious targets for cutting waste, becoming a society that turns its resources back into new, useful materials which can benefit Scottish businesses, support jobs and contribute to many wider social benefits."

Iain Gulland, Director of Zero Waste Scotland, said:　"The average household wastes up to £430 by throwing out unused food each year. Scotland's hospitality industry could save £64m a year by tackling food waste.　Cutting out waste ensures we get the most out of what we buy, achieve value for money and helps us live as sustainably as possible."

The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) will run for the third time between 19 and 27 November 2011. The week, which is supported by of the LIFE+ Programme, aims to inform European citizens about the simple actions that they can take in their everyday lives to reduce waste.

A total of 7035 EWWR actions are being implemented in 2011, a significant increase on 4346 actions in 2010. The week will employ 34 organisers in 20 countries to mobilise stakeholders and validate their actions.

Many projects are carrying out awareness-raising actions on one or several of the following five themes: too much waste, better production, better consumption, longer life for products, and less waste thrown away.

The most outstanding European Week for Waste Reduction actions will be recognised at the European Waste Reduction Awards Ceremony in June 2012 in Paris.

www.zerowastescotland.org.uk

www.ewwr.eu

Darrel Moore