How initiatives like Global Recycling Day can help improve our shopping habits

Almost everything we buy and use is just thrown in the bin. Out of sight, out of mind. In reality, it’s all piling up in landfill, writes Emma Henderson

We need reminding of what’s at stake for future generations (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There’s an awareness event for everything, whether it’s a day, a week or a whole month, from World Pasta Day (25 October) to National Pet Month (April). Of course, many of them are easy to get behind: who doesn’t love a cracking bowl of Italy’s greatest export, or relish in the excuse of sharing (more) dog videos? Some are just bizarre though (National Photo Day… we’re looking at you). While others offer a bit more inspiration than simply getting to eat your favourite food, such as Global Recycling Day, which fell on Thursday of this week.

Worldwide, our throwaway culture is costing us. Almost everything we buy and use is just thrown in the bin. Out of sight, out of mind. In reality, it’s all piling up in landfill.

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