Using The Recycling Efforts Of World War Two To Inspire Us Today
During the World War II, resources were hard to come by and Governments ran massive recycling campaigns to ensure as little as possible was wasted. Here are a few examples of what was recycled and for what reason…
- Metal and tine were recycled for use in aircraft, tanks and weapons.
- Left over food provided feed for chickens, pigs and goats.
- Rubber was collected to make tires.
People were also encouraged to mend belongings rather than buy new. Campaigns such as ‘Make Do & Mend’ advised people on how to recycle textiles and patch up their worn out clothes. Knitting also soared in popularity during the Second World War.
Families had to plan meals carefully to ensure that food did not go to waste. Perishable food had to be bought in small quantities and substitutes had to be found for foods that were no longer available. Meat fat was saved to make pastry, and the cream from milk was collected in a jar and shaken to make butter.
It is a shame that it took people so long to acknowledge the importance of recycling, and also that it required such miserable circumstances to bring it to our attention. These days, we know the importance of recycling to preserve the Earth’s resources and to reduce pollution.
Even so, we are still failing to recycle a lot of items that are recyclable. Though we are aware of what we should be doing, and though it is not difficult for us to do it, most people still have a very much laid back attitude to recycling. Too many people simply cannot be bothered to recycle.
If they could do it, then why can’t we recycle too? We should all be doing what we can now, and not be waiting for a major catastrophe to kick-start us into mass recycling again.
Ware 4 Recycling Bins Ltd have been promoting cost effective recycling bins, trolleys and waste containers for over 5 years.