pressrelease

Contact: Cherry Hamson
Tel: 01527 597757

January 11th, 2006

RECYCLERS HELP TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA

The more we recycle, the more we are helping tackle the effects of climate change in the sub-Saharan drylands of Africa, thanks to a new project run by not-for-profit organisation, Alupro.

Longer dry seasons are seriously damaging the ancient forests on which many village communities depend: trees are dying earlier, bush fires are more frequent, and food more scarce. So re-planting trees, and learning how to manage the new situation more effectively are essential for the future of the area.

Now, we can all help - just by recycling in the UK. In a bid to engage us all with the importance of recycling, Alupro is promising to grow a tree in the Gabio Forest, Burkina Faso for every tonne of aluminium cans and foil returned for recycling. Mango, cashew, baobab and acacia trees have been chosen for their food and medicinal uses, and the new trees will also help boost production of honey for sale.

"We've just returned from visiting Burkina Faso with our partners Tree Aid" says communications director Cherry Hamson. "We've seen the first 10,000 seedlings planted, and met the people who are already gaining so much from the project. This is a great opportunity for everyone in the UK to do something about climate change, and also save energy at home.

"Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed to make it from the raw material, bauxite, and the metal can be recycled over and over again. New cans are often back on the shelf just six weeks after they have been given for recycling, so the energy savings quickly mount up, and start to make a difference."

The first phase of the African project, involving around 40,000 new trees, runs to September 2006, but if everyone gets behind the scheme so that recycling rates improve significantly, it will be a longer term commitment. "We want to follow the programme through, seeing the problems and successes, and building relationships between UK recyclers and the very resourceful people we have met in Africa" says Cherry.

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