Football fans urged to think green this summer
31 May 2006
Recycle Western Riverside (RWR) is calling on London football fans to give a red card to waste - by recycling the extra cans and bottles they will generate during the World Cup.
'The BIG recycle', a Government-funded national recycling week, launches on 5 June and is backed by ITV football presenter Gabby Logan, former England international footballer Graeme le Saux and impressionist Alistair McGowan.
Fans thirsting for an England victory will be cracking open thousands of extra cans, bottles of beer and soft drinks as they cheer on Sven's men from their living rooms. Sales of newspapers and magazines are also likely to soar over the tournament period. RWR expect the partying to produce a mountain of World Cup waste - most of which can be recycled.
The RWR team will be out on the streets of Hammersmith & Fulham, Lambeth, Wandsworth and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea during 'the BIG recycle' so residents can get the advice they need about recycling rubbish in their area.
Gabby Logan said: "I'm thrilled to be supporting 'the BIG recycle', because my family and I are already keen recyclers. We always use our council's doorstep collection service, and try to shop sensibly to buy recycled or recyclable goods and packaging. It's easy to get into the habit, and it makes a lot of environmental sense.
"Given that we generate even more waste than usual during a major sporting tournament, I think the World Cup is a great time to remind people to do their bit. I hope everyone will make recycling their goal this summer."
Sam Jarvis, RWR campaign manger said: "'the BIG recycle' is a great opportunity to remind people just how easy it is to recycle. Most London residents are able to recycle straight from their doorstep so there's no excuse for beer cans and pizza boxes to get sent to landfill during the World Cup. By recycling people are also helping to save energy and stop climate change - recycling in the UK currently saves around 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to taking 3.5 million cars off the road."