Earth Day 22nd April 2024 - Planet vs Plastic
The first ever Earth Day on April 22, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in environmental history. With 20 million Americans uniting to address pressing issues like toxic water, air pollution, and pesticide effects, the event spurred significant change. President Richard Nixon's leadership led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, paving the way for crucial legislation such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. This collective action set a precedent for ongoing environmental conservation efforts.
In today's world, we are faced with increasingly complex challenges such as rising natural disasters and extreme weather patterns. Despite the daunting nature of these issues, it is important to remember that each individual holds the power to make a difference. Whether we are aware of it or not, we all play a crucial role in protecting our planet and securing a better future for the next generations.
Let's stay committed to finding solutions and taking action, no matter where we are or what we do.
Switching to solar power is a smart and environmentally conscious choice. Solar energy offers a sustainable and effective solution to our energy needs. By tapping into the sun's power, we can play a part in building a cleaner future. It's not just about financial savings; it's about safeguarding our planet for future generations.
More than 500 billion plastic bags—one million bags per minute—were produced worldwide last year. Many plastic bags have a working life of a few minutes, followed by an afterlife of centuries. Even after plastics disintegrate, they remain as microplastics, minute particles permeating every niche of life on the planet.
Choose high-quality, durable products over disposable ones to save money and protect the environment. While single-use items may offer convenience, their long-term impact on our planet is significant. It's crucial to take responsibility for our plastic waste by properly disposing of items we no longer need and opting for sustainable alternatives.
When it comes to the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, the question of whether solar panels are recyclable is a significant one to address.
Solar panels are indeed recyclable, made primarily of aluminium, glass, and silicon, making them easy to break down and repurpose, potentially even to make future solar panels. This is a great example that your green energy investment remains environmentally friendly even after its lifespan. It is thought that by the late 2030s, a new generation of solar panels will be constructed using the remains of their predecessors, representing the concept of sustainability and innovation in the renewable energy industry.
In the UK, solar panel installers are legally required to take back defunct panels for proper recycling. By adhering to EU regulations and utilising Producer Compliance Schemes like PV CYCLE, the industry ensures responsible end-of-life management for solar panels.
The current state of the recycling sector raises concerns about its capacity to handle the expected increase in solar panel waste. With waste production projected to rise significantly in the coming years, it is essential for all parties involved to review and enhance their readiness. It is crucial to develop and implement efficient recycling processes to manage the growing volume of solar panel waste sustainably.
In the UK, Recycle Solar, located in Scunthorpe, is the only UK based solar panel recycling service.
Annually, this establishment reprocesses several hundreds of solar panels. However, this figure is anticipated to escalate remarkably in the coming 5-10 years, as a greater volume of panels near the conclusion of their operational period.
By recycling solar panels, we prevent them from ending up in landfills. This is crucial as disposing of waste in the ground is environmentally harmful, and repurposing old materials helps reduce the need for new ones.
The process of recycling solar panels allows for the recovery of certain rare elements like gallium and indium. These elements are essential components of solar panels, and their supply on Earth is gradually diminishing. If we simply discard gallium and indium, we will eventually face a shortage of these critical materials.
With the growing need for such recycling facilities, numerous job opportunities will be created, contributing to the growth of the industry and the economy.
Do you want to recycle your solar panels?
Contact your solar panel installer or manufacturer for details on the collection and recycling of your old units. They are legally obligated to collect and recycle your panels at no cost to you. This ensures proper disposal and environmental responsibility.
Are you ready to go solar?
Contact us today to discuss further how we can help your business.
Tel: 0118 997 7470
Email: info@photonenergy.co.uk
We have access to a variety of funders to offer Power Purchase Agreement: https://www.photonenergy.co.uk/power-purchase-agreement