Landfil is a massive source of Methane gas (CH4). A gas which is 21 times stronger than Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The more we can avoid going into landfil the better. Recycling and Re-using also helps to lower the demand for raw materials, so again it makes sense to take action here too. The vast majority of residents and businesses do a great deal on this front, but we could do more.

The following video may help you to reflect and consider the whole supply chain of everything you buy. From Raw materials to Landfil, we throw out a lot of 'STUFF', and we also buy a lot of STUFF that we don't really need. Those marketing folks have got us convinced that shopping is what we work for, and life isn't good enough until we buy product X or Y. Have a think about the subtle messages that adverts are really trying to tell you. Watch the video and then re-consider your next shopping trip. Are you feeding the supping industry monster or buying what you need ?

The Story of Stuff - The hidden truth that lies behind the STUFF we buy.

If you're not convinced, then visit http://www.messageinthewaves.com/ and if possible get a chance to watch the whole film. Your plastic waste doesn't just go to the local landfill site.

What can we do locally to help reduce waste, reuse more and to increase recycling rates? Below is a list of some actions you can take, and also a list of the projects that Linlithgow Climate Challenge are working on.

What can I do?

• Join Linlithgow's Freecycle service and offer or request unwanted items for free - Already over 360 have members signed up.
  
• Sign up for the Mail Preference Service which will reduce some junk mail, and then also opt-out of the Roayal Mail's door-2-door unaddressed mail delivery by completing this letter and posting it. You'll be amazed at the difference those two actions make on the junk mail in your blue bin!... Lastly you should also opt-out of the edited version of the Electoral Register.
• Buy or make a compost bin from old pallets or wormery and start composting at home.
• Try to avoid products that are excessively packaged. Say no to plastic bags offered by retailers.

What is Big Business up to?
Check out - http://www.positivepackage.org.uk/ - where you will see lots of examples where large organisations are working to improve their product packaging.

Waste & Recycling Sub-Group Objectives : Reduce Waste, Promote and Increase Re-cycling & Promote composting.

Actions :

• Promoting Linlithgow's Freecycle service
• Working with WLC Waste Management Dept on a number of projects to improve recycling services within the town, e.g. recycling for flats, solutions for the high street and glass bottle banks.
• Promoting home composting
• Supporting junk mail campaigns

Links :

• Waste Aware Scotland
• West Lothian Council - Household Waste Calendars
• Mail Preference Service
• Royal Mail - Un-addressed junk mail opt-out
• Home Composting Bins from £6
• SEPA Waste Statistics for each Council
• Community Recycling Network for Scotland
• Love Food Hate Waste campaign
• Consumer Labelling Guide
• WRAP - Dealing With Waste Research

Some good news... New logos on packaging to help us work out if it's recyclable or not.

BEWARE..... the Green Dot.

This symbol does NOT mean that the product or packaging is recyclable. See : http://www.pro-e.org/