April 22nd marks Earth Day, a global movement dedicated to protecting our planet and promoting sustainable solutions. At SST, we recognize recycling as a key tool in reducing waste and preventing pollution from reaching our oceans. Every plastic bottle, paper scrap, and aluminium can you recycle plays a crucial role in safeguarding marine environments and supporting a healthier planet.
Why Recycling Matters for Our Oceans
Between 90 000 and 250 000 tonnes of waste enter African oceans each year, harming marine life, disrupting delicate ecosystems and creating a hazardous environment for coastal communities. Recycling helps divert materials from landfills and waterways, reducing the amount of plastic and other harmful waste that can reach the sea, while contributing to a circular economy and creating income opportunities. By recycling, we conserve natural resources, lower carbon emissions, and contribute to a healthier planet and oceans for future generations.
Why You Should Recycle
Recycling benefits both the environment and society in multiple ways:
- Reduces Waste in Landfills: Landfills are rapidly filling up, and recycling helps decrease the volume of waste sent to these sites.
- Saves Energy and Resources: Recycling materials like aluminium, plastic, and paper reduces the need for raw material extraction, conserving precious natural resources, saving energy, and preventing more new materials entering the environment.
- Protects Wildlife: Proper waste disposal prevents harmful debris from entering ecosystems, reducing the risk of injury or death to marine and land animals.
- Mitigates Climate Change: Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with raw material production and landfill decomposition.
- Creates Income Opportunities and Supports the Economy: The recycling industry provides employment and other income opportunities and contributes to economic growth by repurposing waste into new products.
Recycling Tips
To make recycling easier and more effective, try these simple hacks:
- Rinse Containers: Always rinse food and drink containers with old dishwater before recycling to prevent contamination.
- Flatten Boxes: Breaking down cardboard boxes saves space and makes transportation more efficient.
- Check recyclability: Only recycle items that are both recyclable and currently locally recycled—check labels and guidelines.
- Repurpose Creatively: Instead of throwing it out, turn glass jars into storage containers or old t-shirts into reusable bags – there are many ways to re-use your items.
- Use a Dual Bin/Bag System: Keep separate bins or bags for recyclables and non-recyclables to simplify sorting.
- Buy Recycled Products: Support the recycling industry by choosing products either made from recycled materials or materials that are recyclable, or products containing recycled content.
Make Every Day Earth Day
Earth Day is a reminder that small actions make a big impact. This year, challenge yourself to improve your recycling habits, educate others, and support initiatives that promote a circular economy.
Aim to incorporate recycling into your daily routine. The more you separate at source and recycle, the greater the impact of your actions on your community.
Find Your Nearest Recycler
Making recycling easy and accessible is key to increasing participation. SST has developed the interactive African Marine Network Map that allows you to locate your nearest recycling facility with just a few clicks. Whether at home, school, or work, you can find a drop-off point or collector that makes responsible waste disposal convenient.
Learn More About Recycling
Understanding what can and cannot be recycled is essential to ensuring that our efforts are effective. Our recycling information site is packed with resources on best recycling practices and waste separation guidelines.
