October 2019 – The Waste Management & Recycling Blog

How recycling in Rome leads to free travel

If you’re reading this blog post, you must be as intrigued as we were when we found out about this innovative recycling scheme in Rome.

We have recently been working on boosting recycling rates in Leeds city centre alongside Hubbub and many other organisations as part of a scheme called Leeds By Example.

This has been such a success that it is now being rolled out in other areas of the country.

An important aspect of Leeds By Example was the variety of bins installed around the city. They were varied to see which became the most popular and therefore encouraged the most recycling.

It transpired that people were most drawn to those that offered rewards, such as money-off coupons. In Italy, they are working on a similar tactic.

How to enjoy a greener Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is an annual British commemoration observed on 5 November to celebrate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605.

Due to Guy Fawkes and his accomplices planning to blow up King James I of England and the House of Lords, fire has always been involved in celebrations regarding the failed plot.

Effigies of Guy Fawkes are often placed on these bonfires to burn. In modern times, fireworks are also synonymous with 5 November.

Unfortunately, it has come to light in recent times that Bonfire Night can have a detrimental effect on the environment.

This is down to the materials being burned and the chemicals in the fireworks, all of which create air pollution which can be problematic to humans, animals and the earth.

So, what can we do about this? We outline some ideas below.

How to plan a sustainable Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner and with it comes all manner of traditions — from fancy dress parties to trick or treating, and everything in-between.

Unfortunately, these traditions are often fairly wasteful — however, it’s surprisingly simple to make them less so.

Below, we take a look at how you can make your Halloween celebrations more sustainable this year, and for future years too.