Bearder lifts lid on recycling on trains (South East Region Liberal Democrats)

South East Region Liberal Democrats <info@southeastlibdems.org.uk>

Bearder lifts lid on recycling on trains

March 24, 2010 6:42 PM

Catherine with recycle bins at the Eurostar terminal

Recycling bins at the Eurostar terminal

A huge disparity exists between the green practices of train companies across South East England.

Whilst there are clear examples of excellent recycling policies across the region, a report commissioned by Liberal Democrat MEP Catherine Bearder has found that some train companies have plenty of room for improvement.

Eurostar topped the green table: 50% of their waste is recycled by the company and 40% by a contractor.

Catherine, a life-long environmental campaigner, said, "There is quite a gap in the green performance between the companies we surveyed."

"But this isn't about naming and shaming, it's about listening and learning."

"Transport companies can learn from one another by sharing best practices. There is also plenty they can learn from companies on the other side of the Channel."

"There are many good green practices in the South East that should be applauded. Many have green agreements with retailers and contractors, some have brought in private sponsors to share the cost of recycling, others have found ways to create extra space onboard their trains for recycling facilities.

"Local Lib Dem campaigners in Winchester have also been surveying rail travellers and the evidence is that the travelling public are keen to play their part in helping to reduce what goes to landfill. They do it at home and they are quite prepared to do it whilst they travel" said Catherine.

"Going green is good for business. People want their transport companies to go green and to minimise their impact upon the environment. But a green brand is not enough; it must be backed by green actions."

"My message to the train companies is read this report, listen to your customers and strive to make your transport company the greenest in the South East."