Felixstowe mayor Mark Jepson has spoken of the town's pride in recycling efforts after helping the resort's pier turn green

New stats show we care more about the environment than ever before and to celebrate this year's Recycle Week, two iconic locations in Suffolk, Felixstowe Pier and Ipswich Town Hall, were lit up in green to mark the occasion, as revealed by Nub News last week.

The theme for Recycle Now's 17th annual Recycle Week is to thank the people of Suffolk for continuing to recycle despite all that has happened this year and statistics show that through lockdown the UK has become even more environmentally aware, with nearly 9 in 10 households saying they 'regularly recycle'.

Coming out of lockdown, more people are prepared to change their lifestyles to help the environment: 73 per cent, up from 68 per cent in 2019. And an amazing 93 per cent of UK households say they believe that 'everyone has a responsibility to help towards cleaning up the environment'. The figures come from research carried out during lockdown and an omnibus survey completed in July.

Cllr Mark Jepson, said: "I am delighted that Felixstowe pier has been chosen for national recycling week, it is a new but iconic building and represents one of the many positive improvements we have had in the town over the last few years.

"Felixstowe should feel very proud how it has contributed to re-cycling and trying to improve the environment, the voluntary groups make a significant contribution too."

Andrew Green, Operations Director of Pier Amusements, said "We were honoured to be asked to turn the pier green in support of recycling week and we continue to do our best as a company to recycle as much as we can."

Peter Maddox, Director, WRAP UK, said: "It's fantastic to see that despite everything that has been thrown at them this year, more people than ever in Suffolk are taking responsibility for protecting the environment by choosing to recycle. This is something we can all do, wherever we live – an individual action that, when performed by everyone, adds up to a huge change.

"Suffolk's recycling and waste workers have been real heroes too, providing the best service possible under the most difficult of circumstances. The recognition they received in the form of friendly waves, notes, cards and gifts left out for them is heart-warming proof of how the people of Suffolk have cooperated.

"Recycle Week this year is an opportunity to thank everyone in Suffolk for continuing to recycle, whatever their circumstances and to celebrate the way we have all pulled together. There has been a positive leap forward in attitudes that we must capitalise on so Suffolk can do even better in the coming year!"

The Suffolk Waste Partnership will be joining in online, through their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, to highlight the importance of recycling. Everyone – organisations and individuals - can support Recycle Week by using #RecycleWeek on social media.

James Mallinder, Chair of the Suffolk Waste Partnership said: "People across Suffolk recycled more than 120,000 tonnes of household materials last year, that is a superb effort! Not only will this help make the most of our precious resources, but it is also a simple and effective way to tackle the climate emergency we all face. Supporting Recycle Week is a wonderful way to get involved and help encourage your family, friends and neighbours to recycle even more. Even the smallest changes in behaviour now can make a big difference over time."

For more information about recycling in your area, visit www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk For more information on Recycle Now, visit www.recyclenow.com