Chooseday 28th October, Choose to Close the Loop this National Recycling Week ♻️
- GoodCompany Team
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Good Morning,
As we head into National Recycling Week (10 – 16 November), led by Planet Ark Environmental Foundation, it’s the perfect time to rethink how we consume … and how we recycle.
♻️ Since the campaign began in 1996, Australia’s recycling rate has climbed from just 7% (1.5 million tonnes) to over 60% (43 million tonnes) — a huge achievement. 1
♻️ That’s a change from around 80 kg of material per person per year (in 1996) to roughly 1,700 kg per person now. 2
♻️ But: recycling isn’t enough on its own. Our consumption continues to grow, and many of our “waste” materials still aren’t being effectively diverted. 3
The Guardian stated that in the 2023-24 financial year, Australians generated 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste, yet the plastics recovery rate was just 14.1%
So if we’re going to make a lasting change, we need to step up the whole chain, going beyond the bin to thinking “Do you need it?” before we buy, use and discard. 🛒
🤔 Think first. Buy later. 🤔
Before you click “Add to cart”, ask:
Do I need this — or is it impulse/habit?
Can I refuse it or delay the purchase?
Could I reduce the quantity or choose something more durable?
Could I repair, reuse, or repurpose what I already have?
And if it is time to dispose – am I going to recycle it right?
🔁 Join the cycle – 5 Rs for action 🔁
Here are five simple but powerful ways you (and your team, family, friends) can join the cycle this National Recycling Week:
Refuse: Say no to single-use, unnecessary packaging or trendy items you don’t really need.
Reduce: Choose better quality, longer-lasting goods. Cut down on new purchases by asking if you can wait or borrow.
Repair: Fix what’s broken rather than replace. Sewing, patching, servicing — every repair delays landfill.
Reuse/Repurpose: Give things a second, third, fourth life. Old clothing becomes cleaning rags, jars become storage, etc.
Recycle: When something truly reaches end-of-life, recycle right. Make sure your local bin-rules are followed, divert e-waste, soft plastics, textiles… the right way.
At work. At home. In the community.
🗑️ Work: Could your office host a “swap-day” for unwanted items? Or an e-waste drop-off? Or run a short training session on what does/doesn’t go in the recycling bin.
💚 Home: Check your local council’s recycling guidelines. Declutter by asking “Do I need this?” before buying. Hold a clothing swap with friends.
🌱 Community: Get involved in local National Recycling Week events — host a repurposing workshop, join a clean-up, share your actions on social media (#NationalRecyclingWeek).
Let’s make this National Recycling Week more than just a date in the calendar — let’s make it a shift in mindset. Choose to care, choose to recycle, choose to buy less and rethink the items you buy.
🌏 For the earth,
The GoodCompany Team
Know someone who will benefit from a Chooseday mindset?
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