Islington's recyclers will soon be able to take credit for growing trees in Africa and in the UK thanks to a nationwide scheme launched today (24 May) in Islington by BBCTV's John Craven (John Craven's Newsround, Countryfile).<br><br>Up to 35,000 trees will be planted in Africa and in parks, gardens and woodland in the UK, if the public take up the appeal from Alupro (Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation). <br><br>A tree will be grown in the UK or Africa for every tonne of aluminium packaging (aluminium cans and foil) recycled until September 2006. Islington could see free native trees such as English oak, Scots pine and silver birch.<br><br>In Africa, mango, cashew, baobab and acacia trees have been chosen for their food and medicinal uses, as well as being species that boost the production of honey, which is sold at local markets to provide much-needed income.<br><br>Recycling aluminium is one of the best things residents can do to help the environment, since it saves up to 95% of the original energy, and can be recycled over and over again without losing quality.<br><br>Cllr Bridget Fox, executive member for sustainability said:<br><br>“Islington is wholeheartedly supporting this recycling project. The more drinks cans we recycle - rather than throw in the rubbish - the less goes to landfill and the more trees will be grown in Africa.<br><br>It takes just six weeks to return a drinks can to the shelf - it's one of the easiest materials to recycle so we want local people to get behind this national campaign too."<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009