Virtuous Cycle

!e state of our international environmental problems has worsened since the globalization of machinery and industry, and as excessive consumption has become

paramount to the wealthy population.

Environmentalists and !e Media tell us that recycling is vital, a social duty, in order to save our otherwise doomed planet.

Contrasting ‘vicious cycle’, a ‘virtuous cycle’ has favourable results. In theory, the act of recycling our materials embodies the idea of a ‘virtuous cycle’.

However, while recycling has become a hugely popular phenomenon, only 30% of our recyclable waste is actually recycled and our throwaway culture is out of control. Waste

management now prioritises the re-use of materials, but never-ending consumerism threatens to ensure we are "ghting a losing ba#le.

Most $idges made before 2000 contain Chloro%uorocarbons (‘CFCs’) or Hydrochloro%uorocarbons (‘HCFCs’) in their insulation material and/or their re$igerant.

!ese are man-made compounds comprising carbon, %uorine, chlorine, and hydrogen. Non-toxic and non-%ammable, they were used extensively in aerosols, re$igerators and solvents until it was discovered that the CFC molecules were being broken down by Ultra Violet (UV) radiation and

releasing a chlorine atom that was reducing ozone in the atmosphere.

!e U.K. uses, on average, 13 billion aluminum cans every year. Aluminum melted down and mixed with raw aluminum materials. !e melted aluminum is

then molded into new aluminum materials, including new aluminum cans and aluminum foil.

Up to 99% of an electronic item can be recycled, making this recycling effort a worthwhile endeavor. Harmful gases and chemicals cannot be recycled, so they are separated $om the machines, shipped

to a chemical incinerator, and burnt off in bulk.

Recycled fabrics are shredded before being reprocessed into new items.  Industrial quality "blankets" which protect equipment whilst being transporting is one example of what recycled

textiles may become.

With !anks To

Smiths of Bloxham Scrap Metal Merchants &

Oakley Wood Waste Management Site