5. Which do you think is the most important for reducing waste?

Far too much of our waste goes into the bin. Rubbish which ends up in the bin is either landfilled taking up huge amounts of space or incinerated pumping out smoke and fumes into the air and leaving behind poisonous ash. This is completely unnecessary because much of the rubbish we produce can be re-used or recycled. Paper, tins, cans, glass and cardboard can all be recycled. Clothes can be re-used by younger brothers or sisters when they are grown out of or given to a charity shop for someone else to buy. However, while recycling and re-using are important ways of reducing waste, not making so much in the first place is the best way to reduce your footprint.

Do you agree? Add your voice to the debate on this issue

Did you know?

• An average family produces about one tonne of rubbish every year. This weighs about the same as two small cars
• 3000 used plastic drink bottles can be recycled to make one plastic garden table

Take Action
REMEMBER THE 4 Rs

• REDUCE what we buy in the first place. If we buy less then we will throw away less!
  
• REUSE as many things as possible. Take bags with you when you go shopping, reuse envelopes
  
• REPAIR things rather than throw them away and buy new ones
  
• RECYCLE any material which can be turned into something new

To find out more, please visit:
Environment Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk/kids/?lang=_e