Through different government programs, a race has begun to be increasingly cleaner. In global policies, the percentage of garbage and recycled plastics is important, since it is a reflection of the work between public institutions and citizens, demonstrating their true commitment to their home, country and ecosystem.
Many nations have sacrificed a lot to be greener, but unfortunately the efforts of some are not enough to change the world. The United States is the country that generates the most garbage and consumes energy; By recycling 35% of total waste, it reduces the environmental impact somewhat, but it is still very large. Instead, the following countries demonstrate a real responsibility in changing things.
Germany (65%)
World champion of recycling, Germany is synonymous with development and sustainability for the rest of the world. Although poverty exists everywhere, in Germany you can see the poorest looking in the garbage cans for plastics to recycle, since the bottles are worth between 25 and 7 euro cents. In 2013 it was reported that out of 353 million tons of garbage, 152.8 million tons were recycled, leaving German lakes, forests and cities truly fit for the future.
South Korea (59%)
Despite what South Korea has suffered in recent years, the wars, separations and even the conflictive life with its sister country, it has managed to rise above the rest of the world technologically and environmentally speaking. The waste organization system in South Korea is known as jongnyangje and they are experts in separating garbage to make much more effective the ambitious work that year after year keeps them as one of the cleanest countries in the world.
Slovenia (58%)
Slovenia has focused on reducing the amount of garbage and industrial waste. The country with natural attractions so beautiful that they seem taken from fairy tales has managed to reduce the capacity of garbage dumps by up to 75% and in some municipalities, up to 91%.
Austria (58%)
Austria has become so efficient at recycling that people are studying and analyzing this great achievement. They believe that it is due to joint efforts to improve recycling processes, give economic incentives and create new taxes that are reflected in the green work that is saving the country from ecocide. The educational program is also important, showing that if children are taught everything about sustainability and recycling from an early age, they will be more responsible and committed people.
Belgium (55%)
Belgium is one of the first countries to start serious recycling programs. Since the need to recycle was discussed in 1981, the country began with actions that have been established in the collective and now, every three or four years, new programs emerge that improve the environmental situation. In fact, it has been shown that since 2000, Belgium has managed to grow economically while reducing the amount of waste, proving that it is possible to be competitive and save the planet.
Unlike those countries, New Zealand, Turkey, Chile, Mexico, Slovakia and others are in the red when it comes to the environment. It is time for everyone to start realizing the seriousness of the matter and together we save the world. Do not you believe it?