Why don't we recycle more?
Launched July 1998
Why don't we all recycle more? Everybody knows that it makes environmental sense. Around half of all the waste produced in our homes is made up of recyclable materials - such as paper, plastic bottles, textiles, cans and glass.
Yet, in 1998, only 5% of all household waste in this country was recycled - far less than the 40% needed to achieve sustainability.
Putting our own house in order, waste wise
As part of our campaign, we decided to get our own house in order. For example, at the time of the campaign, our audit found that we didn't recycle a single aluminium or steel can at any of our major sites, and that only 5% of all paper used by the Bank was recycled. We are pleased to report back on some significant improvements – see our 2003 Sustainability Report for full details.
Through the Customers Who Care Scheme the Bank also supported Eco-Centric Solutions Ltd, who in conjunction with The Big Issue magazine and Islington local authority, launched an innovative green box door to door recycling scheme. Jobs were created for former Big Issue vendors, helping to create momentum for social and environmental change at street level.
You voted, we donated
Our Customers Who Care campaign donations were shared between the following four charities in accordance with our customer vote:
Sunderland Community Furniture:
collects and re-distributes furniture and other household equipment to those in need. Donated items are restored by people with learning difficulties and sold to the public for a nominal price, thus reducing waste, offering valuable employment, and low cost furniture to people on low incomes. Received £9,000
Bristol Recycling Consortium:
promotes waste reduction, reuse and recycling throughout the area and operates a series of community projects – from developing community composting schemes to designing local green directories. Received £3,500
Create:
Liverpool- based organisation refurbishing used white goods to a high standard and selling them at modest prices. Create also provides employment for a variety of people facing social difficulties. Received £8,750
WyeCycle:
a community business, working to create employment and protect the environment through the reduction of waste in the village of Wye. WyeCycle also campaigns for sustainable waste management at a local and national level. Received £3,750
Find out about the Bank's current campaign
