GD Environmental Services talks trash

James Norvill, Managing Director of GD Environmental Services, asks why the UK is so behind Europe when it comes to recycling.

I have often questioned why we have invested heavily in environmental experts and specialist government bodies to deliver new programs to reduce the nation's carbon footprint, when you can look overseas and so much more has been achieved through common sense and a passion for change.

This has prompted me to think, is there really a lack of depth in knowledge across the UK about the environment or are we just stuck in our ways with little determination for major reform?.

With students now breaking up for the summer holidays, just how much have they learnt in the past academic year on the environment? It amazes me that the government can state that global warming is one of the most important issues facing the world today, when there has been little reform in the way it's educated at schools and colleges.

If global warming is the biggest obstacle we face over the next 50 years why is it not being taught to children as a core subject like maths or science? If you look at the education system as a whole there is very little scope on the environment across all subjects within the GCSE and A level curriculum.

It's surprising even at degree level the environment is still not considered as a core topic particularly in business courses.

But why is this? Surely through improved teaching on the environment it will provide students with a relevant skill which would be a great asset to any future employer.

It would also provide students with the knowledge to share and develop new visions and ideas to combat environmental concerns.

Is the overall lack of education the core reason why the UK is so far behind the rest of the Europe in lowering our carbon footprint.

If we compare the UK with Scandinavia who set the benchmark for recycling and renewable energy in Europe, there is a clear gap in both compliance to reform and productivity with the green energy market.

In 2005 the renewable energy market in Sweden created over 90,000 new jobs and reached a total turnover of GBP20bn.

It's evident that Sweden has developed a solid infrastructure providing the country with over 39.8% of its energy through its own renewable energy production.

When compared with the UK we stagger behind with just 1.3% of energy coming from renewable resources.

This achievement in Sweden has been down to the belief from the public that investment in green technologies is not only beneficial for the environment but instrumental for economic growth.

While over the English Channel in Germany they have developed the "Green Dot" system to help reduce the 30 million tones of garbage produced per annum.

The system has been one of the most successful recycling initiatives in the World, which has literally put packaging on a diet.

The crux is that manufacturers and retailers have to pay for a "Green Dot" on products: the more packaging there is, the higher the fee.

This clever system has led to less paper, thinner glass and less metal being used, thus creating less garbage to be recycled and saving companies millions on unnecessary packaging.

But would this Green Dot system be welcomed in the UK? I have my doubts due to the way in which recycling has been promoted and educated, we need to believe that this is the way forward in the UK to not only reduce waste but to help save money.

When you see continuous protests against gasification plants across the UK and the government hesitant on making a decision on the development of nuclear power plants amongst other new energy projects, it shows a distinct lack of direction and vision for the future.

Would educating students from a young age change this? I would like to believe through making recycling and the environment a core subject at schools we can change the mind set of the British public to embrace major reforms similar to that of Germany and Sweden which will only help the long term sustainability and profitability of our nation.

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