7 February 2008

RECYCLING could play a major role in alleviating the country's energy crisis.

Councillor Clive Justus, chairperson of the City of Cape Town's Utility Services Portfolio Committee, says the 'unreleased energy' contained in the average dustbin each year could power a television set for up to 5 000 hours.

"An estimated 512 homes could be electrified by the amount of energy saved from a year of paper recycling. It is within every resident's reach to recycle and thus help the City to achieve its goal of reducing electricity consumption by 10%," he says.

He provided a few easy tips which could contribute towards recycling and saving.

"Firstly, buy products with minimal packaging material. On average, 16% of the price pays for the packaging material which ultimately ends up as rubbish. Apart from saving money, we can reduce waste.

"Products made from recycled material are generally more expensive, but if everybody start buying these, we can create a viable market for such products and thus lower prices.

"It is very easy to compost non-recyclable organic waste. Studies have shown that as much as 50% of waste in the average dustbin could be turned into compost. By composting organic waste, we can enrich Cape Town's soil and even grow our own vegetables and fruit.

"Consumers can then furthermore contribute to recycling by preserving fruit and vegetables in glass containers and even start home industries," he says.

For each ton of paper recycled, the City can save three square metres of landfill space. It will also save 17 pine trees, cut water consumption by 50%, and reduce waste water by 35%.

"There are three easy words to constantly remind us that each individual can make a difference. These are: reduce, re-use and recycle. By implementing these simple principles everybody can contribute to recycling, energy saving and in the long run alleviate the energy crisis in the country," Justus said.

Source: CapeTown.gov.za