World Recycling Day, observed annually on 18th March, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of recycling in mitigating environmental challenges. This day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations worldwide to rethink their consumption patterns and embrace sustainable practices that could have a more positive impact on wildlife and their habitats.
To join the recycling initiative, consider participating in local recycling programs, organising or attending awareness events such as litter picking days, and educating others about the benefits of responsible waste management.
You can also make a difference in your daily life by practicing the three R's, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, and by supporting businesses and initiatives that prioritise sustainability. Small actions collectively contribute to a positive impact on our natural world, making World Recycling Day a reminder for everyone to play a role in building a more sustainable future.
Litter harms wildlife
Participating in recycling and proper waste management also cuts down on litter, which could be harmful to wildlife. Disposing of all rubbish responsibly — this means putting it in a bin, and also separating your waste into recycling and general waste can reduce the risk of animals becoming harmed in discarded string, tins, plastic and water pollution. The RSPCA receives over 14 calls per day regarding animals that have got entangled or injured by pieces of litter. This equates to over 5,000 calls per year and, of course, this doesn’t include pets or animals who are taken directly to vets to be treated. Nor does it include the wild animals who are not found, or found too late. By binning or recycling our rubbish safely instead of littering, we're making choices that could save many lives.
Brent Lodge | A Charity Committed to Wildlife
Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital is passionate about wildlife conservation which can seamlessly intertwine with a commitment to recycling and sustainability. As we mark World Recycling Day, let us explore some of the positive changes we can all make in our own lives to contribute to greener and safer habitats for wildlife.
The Animal Care team are all too familiar with the negative effects of discarded waste on wildlife, regularly treating sick or injured wildlife entangled by litter. Which is why the team champion environmental sustainability through various recycling initiatives and educational awareness messages. The hospital reuses old newspapers for animal bedding, encourages Supporters to donate unwanted items for resale in Charity shops and builds partnerships with recycling organisations, who are also dedicated to making the natural world a more friendly place for wildlife.
Donate items to Charity
Brent Lodge's network of charity shops serves as an innovative solution to address the environmental challenges posed by excessive waste. These shops play a pivotal role in preventing old furniture, clothing, and other items from ending up in landfills. Instead, the shops offer an opportunity for pre-loved items a second chance at life. The concept of rehoming goods aligns seamlessly with the ethos of recycling – reducing the demand for new products and minimising the environmental impact of manufacturing.
The next most sustainable option is to recycle. If a Charity shop cannot sell an item, the team will seek to recycle it via a recycler and raise donations in the process. Charity shops are able to reuse or recycle more than 90% of donated clothing, over 90% of donated books and 85% of donated electrical goods. In 2023 Brent Lodge recycled 29.8 tons of unsalable goods.
Building Partnerships
Brent Lodge partner with various recycling companies for donated items that cannot be resold in our shops - e.g. unsold books, torn/stained textiles, jewellery or broken bric-a-brac, and old or broken gadgets. These can be handed in at any of the Charity shops or at the Hospital. One successful partnership that amplifies Brent Lodge's impact on recycling is its collaboration with Charity Car UK.
Charity Car UK operates by recycling unwanted vehicles, transforming them into valuable resources for charitable causes. By donating your old car, you not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also provide support to organisations like Brent Lodge, enabling them to continue their vital work. Charity Car UK has recently reached an incredible milestone, surpassing the one-million-pound mark in donations to charities all over the UK. Over £4,100 of these funds have been channelled directly to Brent Lodge, supporting their crucial wildlife conservation efforts.
How You Can Contribute
As we celebrate World Recycling Day, it's an opportune time to reflect on our individual roles in creating a more sustainable world to protect wildlife. Consider supporting Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital by donating unwanted items to their Charity shops or exploring options to responsibly recycle your unwanted goods. Every small effort adds up, and together, we can make a significant impact on the environment.
Following this link to explore ways to support Brent Lodge through recycling initiatives.
By Asha Park
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