‘Step it Up’ as Recycle Week 2021 begins

The theme of the 18th annual Recycle Week, which is launched by resources charity WRAP under its ‘Recycle Now’ campaign, will focus on encouraging citizens to recycle more in the fight against climate change.

This year’s message comes after a recent Recycle Now survey, that found 55% of households still put recyclable items in the residual waste bin.

Celebrity partner

WRAP also announced this morning that the week will be endorsed by celebrity Invictus games athlete and TV presenter, JJ Chalmers.

JJ Chalmers said: “I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s campaign. I’m passionate about the environment and how we can battle climate change. I am delighted to be working with the Recycle Now team on what has become a really important week of action across the UK.  I really want to encourage people to look at what they are doing and how they can Step It Up and do even more… even better.”

‘Vital’

Sarah Clayton, head of citizen behaviour change, WRAP added: “Now more than ever it’s vital we do everything we can to protect our planet and go that extra mile. Most of us recycle, but we need to do more to combat climate change. We need people to look at what they are putting in their bins and ensure they’re the right things. It all adds up. The UK’s current recycling saves 18 million tonnes of C02 every year, which is the same as taking 12 million cars off the road.

Now more than ever it’s vital we do everything we can to protect our planet
 – Sarah Clayton, WRAP

Ms Clayton added: “We can all help fight climate change by recycling and keeping these items circulating again, and again.”

To drive home the ‘Step it Up’ message’ three murals are set to appear on prominent buildings in London, Newcastle and Belfast. Each has been created by a local artist and represents their interpretation of the theme.

For the second year running major brands are putting their support behind the week by donating to help fund it including, Amazon, British Soft Drinks Association, Coca-Cola, Coop, McDonald’s and Waitrose and Partners UK.