MP JOINS 'GREEN FAIRY' TO CALL FOR RECYCLING

12.00.00am GMT Thu 7th Nov 2002

Local MP Sue Doughty teamed up with Friends of the Earth's Green Fairy to support a campaign for doorstep recycling to every home, which will help the environment create jobs locally

Increasing recycling levels through a doorstep scheme could be the magic wand to solve the waste crisis in the country.

At present we burn or bury most of our waste. This has adverse effects on the environment and poses increasing health concerns. The UK recycles just 11 per cent of domestic waste, whereas neighbours such as Switzerland, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands all recycle about half their waste. A doorstep recycling scheme could help us recycle up to 70 per cent of waste, taking us from worst to best recyclers in Europe!

Ms Doughty joined 300 other MPs in declaring official support for doorstep recycling to every home by signing Early Day Motion 186. Doorstep recycling has won cross-party support, including manifesto commitments from the Conservative and Liberal Democrats. Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he wants every council to provide doorstep recycling. The campaign is also supported by the trade union, UNISON because of the potential for creating jobs, and by Help The Aged, as doorstep recycling would help older people recycle without needing to take heavy loads to recycling points.

Sue Doughty MP said:

"Every single person in Guildford is to join in recycling if we are to overcome incineration.

Friends of the Earth Waste Campaigner Martyne Williams, Senior Parliamentary Campaigner said

"We are delighted Ms Doughty has supported this campaign. Doorstep recycling to every home makes sense for the environment, will create real jobs locally and will ensure recycling is accessible to all parts of the community. Later this month, 20 MPs will have the opportunity to introduce a Bill of their choice to Parliament. If picked, we hope Sue will take the opportunity of choosing the Doorstep Recycling Bill so that in a years time we may have a law which solves our waste crisis".