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Issue Description
We all produce waste in our everyday lives and the UK sends more rubbish to landfill than any other country in the European Union. However, by reducing, reusing and recycling more of our waste we can help save natural resources and protect the environment. This book looks at waste and recycling in the UK, and also at issues which have provoked debate, such as the amount of waste that Britain ships abroad and the use of plastic carrier bags.
The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.
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Key Facts
- In 2005/06 on average each person in the UK produced 511 kg of waste, 74 per cent of which was not recycled. (pages 1-2)
- In 2004 the UK produced about 335 million tonnes of rubbish. This rate of rubbish production would fill the Albert Hall in London in less than two hours. (page 3)
- 64% of the UKs municipal waste was sent to landfill in 2005/06, 27% was recycled or composted, and 8% was incinerated. (pages 4-5)
- Up to 38 per cent of packaging in a regular household shopping basket cannot be recycled. (page 7)
- More than 13 billion carrier bags are distributed in the UK every year. (page 9)
- When we bury or burn our rubbish we are losing valuable natural resources and wasting the energy, water and transport costs used in its production. Landfilling and incineration can harm the environment if they are not properly managed. (page 13)
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Table of Contents
Chapter One: The Waste Problem
What is rubbish?, Wacky waste facts, Waste management, Wasted food, Packaging waste problem, The problem with litter, Carrier bags, British waste adds to environmental crisis across China, Activities.
Chapter Two: Recycling
Waste at home, Facts and figures, Home composting, How much of a waster are you?, Recycling tips, What happens to our recycling?, Recycle on the go, Why recycling isnt really saving the planet, Consumers oppose charges for plastic bags, Shipping our plastic bottles to China, Activities.
