European Week for Waste Reduction: Call for recycling Scots are being asked to play their part in saving the planet by reducing their waste. The call has come as part of the European Week for Waste Reduction, which begins on Saturday and is aimed at getting organisations and people involved in environmentally friendly practices. Green group Zero Waste Scotland is hoping to raise awareness of ways to reduce household and business waste, focussing on recycling and reusing goods rather than throwing them away. They estimate that if Scots recycled t-shirts, sofas or washing machines ten percent more than at present it could save £1.2m and 2000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. This, the campaign explains, is the equivalent of 300 flights around the world. Scottish companies already reuse 450,000 tonnes of unwanted materials every year, sustaining 700 jobs and contributing more than £20m to the economy. However, firms will be encouraged to do even more during the European Week for Waste Reduction. Iain Gulland, director of Zero Waste Scotland, said: "European Week for Waste Reduction is a great initiative, and getting involved gives the opportunity for organisations across the continent to highlight what can be done to have a positive impact on reducing waste. It's great to see re-use in the spotlight this year - in Scotland increasing re-use is a key priority, and Zero Waste Scotland is dedicated to improving the capacity, professionalism and consistency of the sector through Revolve, our national reuse quality standard. But we can always do more. Making even the smallest changes in our daily lives can make a big difference to the environment and our communities, and help to move Scotland towards becoming a zero waste society. Anyone who wants to get involved in European Week for Waste Reduction can visit the Zero Waste Scotland website.