Over 55 s are the greenest

27 June 2007

Over 55's are the greenest

THE OVER-55s are some of the most environmentally minded people in society.

About three quarters of people surveyed in a Mori Ipsos poll said they were committed recyclers.

The research, for T-Mobile, revealed almost a fifth were recycling more than three quarters of their household waste and more than half disposed of electrical goods the eco way.

Cllr Milton McKenzie, Barking and Dagenham's executive member for the environment, believes maturity and a global awareness explains the trend.

He said: "They probably understand more.

"When you get into your senior years, you become a little bit more circumspect and you probably realise you'll have to pay - not that young people don't have to pay, but maybe you understand much more why you have to do that."

Cllr McKenzie, a Labour councillor in the over-55 age bracket, said Barking and Dagenham is meeting its recycling targets.

He said the borough had met its aim to recycle 22 per cent of its household waste for 2006/07 and was on course to reach its 25 per cent target this financial year.

"Barking and Dagenham has come a long way since we started recycling.

"I'm proud of our achievements, but what we are not doing, is resting on our laurels."

Although the council has introduced special fortnightly collections for garden waste, Cllr McKenzie stressed this would not be extended to normal household waste collections.

He said: "At the present time, we have no intention to go to fortnightly collections of household waste, none whatsoever, because it is not practical as far as residents are concerned."

To find out more, call Barking and Dagenham Direct on 020 8215 3000.