ENVIRONMENTAL evangelists some-times make the mistake of suggesting that all recycling is automatically a good thing. In reality, recycling makes sense only when it is an economically sound activity. It is unfortunate but true that ardent recyclers fall into the busy fool category if what they recycle cannot be sold or otherwise employed to protect supplies of scarce resources or limit energy use.

It seems, however, that despite falling demand for recycled materials occasioned by the global economic crisis, Jersey’s recycling strategy is passing the common sense test. Through ensuring that materials such as paper, cardboard and plastic bottles are carefully segregated, our recycling authorities are producing what amounts to a set of premium products that still find a ready market.

Moreover, we do not have to rely on the assurances of a States department to accept that this is the case. Reclaimat Ltd, the Island firm which relies on recycling for its very existence, confirms that our ‘clean’ materials continue to command acceptable prices.

It is, of course, essential that public faith in the recycling programme remains high. Without the best efforts of householders to dispose of waste responsibly and thoughtfully, the whole exercise will fail. But it is also important that the authorities – both Islandwide and at a parochial level – make the process of saving useful waste as simple and convenient as possible. This is why the present initiatives in St John and St Lawrence to segregate different sorts of material at the kerbside are so important.

Meanwhile, an entirely separate set of initiatives is enhancing Jersey’s credentials as a green community. Allotments appear to be the flavour of the moment, with the Royal Jersey Agricultural
and Horticultural Society lending its weight to parochial efforts to find open spaces for Islanders to grow their own produce.

In spite of the current downturn, it goes without saying that we are a long way from a situation in which we are all compelled to dig for economic victory. Nevertheless, greater self-sufficiency and self-reliance – as expressed by the allotment drive – are to be encouraged.

In addition, although we are far from the depths of genuine austerity, many
Islanders will relish the idea of making grow-your-own household savings as well as the opportunity to cultivate their own small plots.