World Recycling Day: Recycle for the Reef
March 18 is World Recycling Day – a day to reflect on the actions we take in our everyday lives and how we can take positive steps towards a more sustainable future.
For our beautiful Reef to survive, we must tackle the root cause of climate change by drastically and rapidly reducing global emissions. This is the highest priority to limit ocean temperatures to manageable levels.
You can help. By choosing to refuse, reuse and recycle whenever possible, you are actively reducing the demand for ‘virgin’ products that contribute significantly to emissions and negatively affect our natural world.
The actions of individuals may seem like a small drop in the ocean when shifting the dial on climate change. But as global citizens, it is everyone’s responsibility to do their part and contribute to the conservation of our planet – our Reef depends on it.
Read on below for our top tips to take action for the Reef this World Recycling Day.
Ditch single-use plastic
Billions of pieces of plastic waste, including discarded items and microplastics, litter coral reefs across the Asia-Pacific region including the Great Barrier Reef. Plastic has direct negative impacts for Reef wildlife and habitats, as well as for human health. It also contributes to emissions throughout its lifecycle – from production to management as a waste product.
Say no to single-use plastic items like cling wrap, straws and disposable coffee cups (or at the very least the lids!) and reduce your overall plastic use by choosing alternatives like bees wax wraps, cloth shopping bags and glass coffee cups or lunch containers.
Take part in a return-and-earn scheme
In Australia, we are lucky to have some fantastic return-and-earn programs. Click below to see what is offered in your state. You can even double your positive impact by donating the funds earned to your favourite charity – like the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
Give your clothes a second life
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Apparel and footwear are responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions due to lengthy supply chains and high energy production methods. Head down to your local op shop to drop off your used threads or pick up some pre-loved goodies. There are now even dedicated organisations like Upparel and Worn Up who will handle the pick-up and recycling for a small fee. Why not host a clothes drive with family, friends or workmates and split the cost to recycle whatever is leftover.
Become a recycling advocate at work, school or in the community
Sustainability is high on the agenda of many businesses and schools, with dedicated committees becoming more popular. Take the initiative and become a recycling advocate. Many local councils have programs with educators who can come and talk to your office, school or group about how to recycle effectively.
Make the switch to conscious brands
When purchasing products, choose brands which use recyclable materials, promote recycling or have measures in place to manage the recycling of their products. Take the lead from some of our favourite businesses that double their impact by donating a percentage of their profits to reef research and science.
On a mission to rid the world of single-use plastics with its sustainable reusable alternatives, TOMbag take trash seriously with the world's first reusable garbage bag for your home and office.
A pioneer and global leader in the sunglass replacement lens market, Sunglasses Fix is helping to reduce the hundreds of millions of sunnies that end up in landfill every year.
Archie Rose takes part in its local return-and-earn scheme to recycle gin bottles and seltzer cans.
This clothing brand offers stylish clothing made from recycled plastic bottles – with 10 used in every t-shirt.
