Recycling’s role is crucial, says foundation head

The Global Recycling Foundation, founded by London-based recycler and trader Ranjit Baxi, is calling for recycling to be recognized by governments around the world as an essential weapon in preserving the planet’s green capital.

Speaking in London recently, Baxi, commented, “Recycling has a major impact on preserving the environment, saving energy, and reducing pollution, so why does it not receive the recognition it deserves?”

He continued, “Recycling one metric ton of paper saves as many as 31 trees. It also saves energy, [and the] 5 cubic meters it would otherwise take up in a landfill if it was not recycled. And yet, it is scarcely an afterthought at climate change conferences.”

Baxi referred to recyclables as “the seventh resource,” adding, “Unlike water, clean air, natural gas, oil, coal and minerals, [recyclables] can always be replaced. Every year, the seventh resource saves over 1 billion metric tons in CO₂ emissions. Or, to put it another way, it more than offsets all the CO₂ emissions generated by the aviation industry every year. Meanwhile, literally billions of tons of so-called ‘waste’ ends up in landfill sites.”

Tom Bird, president of the Brussels-based Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), remarked: “COP26 called for preserving green capital and supporting carbon saving initiatives to help deliver our climate goals. Recycling has for centuries helped by reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions and preserving the environment.”

The Global Recycling Foundation describes itself as supporting the promotion of recycling and the recycling industry around the world “to showcase its vital role in preserving the future of the planet.” It promotes Global Recycling Day, March 18, and other educational programs, awareness projects and innovation initiatives designed to focus on the sustainable and inclusive development of recycling.