With all of the talk about the environment over recent weeks many issues that were once only known to specialized scientists have now become common public knowledge. Most people now know the importance of things like recycling and it has been shown in the recycling rates around the United Kingdom which have improved dramatically. Part of the reason for the change is the large public campaigns which have raise awareness about the issues. When it was revealed that the United Kingdom was lagging behind most of Europe when it came to recycling and waste management, the government launched countless schemes to try and raise awareness and it seems to be working. However, one prominent leader says some issues are still being overlooked, particularly when it comes to waste being used as energy.
According to Communities Secretary John Denham the issue of waste is equally if not more important than the government campaign to lower carbon emissions. Not only does waste pollute landfills and the environment but Denham also claims that councils are missing out on valuable opportunities to create energy from waste. His claim is that energy and heat can be created from many types of waste and that councils are costing taxpayers and the planet by not taking full advantage of the opportunity.
Denham says that some forward thinking councils like Nottingham and Sheffield have been converting waste into energy for years, a practice that needs to become the standard in the United Kingdom. Denham was speaking at a Local Action on Climate Change summit that was held in London.
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