New stats show Northern Ireland cares more about the environment than ever before

Statistics released by Recycle Now show that through lockdown Northern Ireland has become even more environmentally aware, with 83 per cent of households saying they ‘regularly recycle’.

Coming out of lockdown, across the UK more people are prepared to change their lifestyles to help the environment: 73 per cent, up from 68 per cent in 2019. And an amazing 93 per cent of UK households say they believe that ‘everyone has a responsibility to help towards cleaning up the environment’.

The figures come from research carried out during lockdown and an omnibus survey completed in July.

Ian Garner, Head of WRAP NI, said:

“It’s fantastic to see that despite everything that has been thrown at them this year, more people than ever in Northern Ireland are taking responsibility for protecting the environment by choosing to recycle. This is something we can all do, wherever we live – an individual action that, when performed by everyone, adds up to a huge change.

“Our recycling and waste workers have been real heroes too, providing the best service possible under the most difficult of circumstances. The recognition they received in the form of friendly waves, notes, cards and gifts left out for them is heart-warming proof of how the nation has pulled together.

“Recycle Week this year is an opportunity to thank everyone for continuing to recycle, whatever their circumstances and to celebrate the way we have all pulled together. There has been a positive leap forward in attitudes that we must capitalise on so we can do even better in the coming year!”

Civic buildings across Northern Ireland are being lit up green to celebrate Recycle Week, and local councils, businesses and other organisations are joining in with a range of activities to highlight the importance of recycling. Everyone – organisations and individuals -  can support Recycle Week by using #RecycleWeek on social media.

Minister Poots said:

“I am pleased to support Recycle Week in 2020.  Northern Ireland’s commitment to the environment and recycling throughout the pandemic has been exceptional and as we move through this crisis, keeping our resources flowing is more important than ever, so I would urge everyone to keep up their good work by continuing to recycle”. 

This year, for the first time, Recycle Now is delighted to welcome commercial donors who are supporting Recycle Week: Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Co-op, Britvic, Highland Spring, Unilever UK and Ireland, Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I , Danone, PepsiCo, Reckitt Benckiser, Eco Surety, Suez, Waitrose and Aldi are providing funding  to help inspire citizens to recycle more of the right things, more often, as well as organising their own events and activities during the Week. L’Oréal Paris Elvive is running a campaign before, during and after Recycle Week, during which 50p from each of the first 100,000 bottles of Elvive hair products sold in Boots stores will be donated to Recycle Now to help deliver its mission to get more people recycling more often.