What is recycling?

Recycling is a set of fundamental processes whose main objectives are: reducing the consumption of natural resources; minimising environmental impacts; reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills; establishing a sustainable balance between the body and mind of humans with the environment where they live. By recycling materials such as paper, plastic, glass and metal, it is possible to save energy, water and raw materials, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air, water and soil pollution.

Planet: problems and statistics

The current state of planet Earth is alarming. We are increasingly facing problems such as air and water pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss and climate change. Some statistics reveal the gravity of the situation:

• More than 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans every year, causing irreparable damage to marine ecosystems.

• The Amazon, often called the "lung of the planet", is losing an area equivalent to 8 football pitches every minute due to deforestation.

• Carbon dioxide emissions have reached record levels, contributing to global warming and extreme weather events.

Municipal  waste  by  origin  (%),  in  2021  (Source:  Annual  Report  on Municipal Waste 2022 - RARU 2022)

What percentage of waste is collected selectively? What percentage of waste is recycled? (Source: Pordata)

In light of these worrying statistics and environmental challenges, it is imperative that we take urgent and collaborative action to reverse the current trajectory and ensure environmental sustainability and the preservation of the oceans and our planet for future generations.

Sustainable travel

Recycling can be extended to the planning and execution of our trips. By adopting conscious practices, we can minimise our environmental impact and maximise the experience. Some ways to incorporate recycling into our journeys include:

• Opt for more sustainable modes of transport, such as bicycles, buses or trains, reducing carbon emissions.

• Choose eco-friendly accommodation that implements energy and water conservation practices.

• Support local businesses and buy reusable products, reducing single-use plastic waste.

By embracing the philosophy of sustainable travel and incorporating recycling into our journeys, we not only enrich our adventures but also actively contribute to the preservation of the environment and local cultures, leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.

Recycling the mind

Just like physical recycling, our mind also requires recycling. We live in a digital world where we are constantly bombarded with information. Practising mental recycling involves:

• Adopt  mindfulness  to  reduce  anxiety  caused  by  information overload.

• Prioritise offline time to promote mental rejuvenation.

Recycling: a collective principle

Recycling is not limited to individual materials and practices. It is a fundamental principle that extends to caring for our neighbours and future generations. This can be demonstrated through:

• Volunteer actions to clean up beaches, parks and urban areas.

• Education on recycling and environmental sustainability for children and adults, setting the stage for a more conscious future.

• Advocating for recycling policies and sustainable practices, influencing positive change in our society.

As we internalise the humanitarian value of recycling, we not only shape a more responsible present, but also pave the way for a compassionate and sustainable collectivity guided by awareness of the well-being of people and the planet.

Did you know that one of Living Tours' employees helps, through the collection of bottle caps, to promote recycling and thus provide intensive and daily rehabilitation to those who need it most?

The International Day of Recycling is celebrated on 17 May every year. This date was established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in 2005, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of recycling for the preservation of the environment and promoting the adoption of sustainable practices worldwide.

On International Recycling Day, many activities and campaigns are held around the world to raise awareness about the importance of recycling. Schools, businesses, non-governmental organisations and local governments often hold events, talks, workshops and educational activities to inform people about the benefits of recycling and encourage active participation in sorting waste correctly.

By raising awareness and adopting recycling practices, we can contribute to conserving the environment, preserving natural resources and building a more sustainable future. The International Day of Recycling reminds us that each of us can make a difference through small everyday actions, such as separating waste correctly, reducing consumption of single-use or disposable products and choosing recycled products.

Living Tours prioritises recycling and its proper disposal. Living Tours has recycling points or stations identified with instruction signs and also recycling containers in both common and private areas. In this sense, Living Tours has authorised waste managers (SDG 12) and is keen to share its experiences in "Sustainable Development" on its social networks.

In addition, Living Tours was nominated for the TNews Tourism Leaders 2023 Awards in the Sustainable Project category. The award recognises the sustainable practices that Living Tours has applied on a day-to-day basis, with a greater emphasis on the social project "Livingtourianos com Causa", behind the various social and environmental volunteering actions in which it has participated.

Living Tours also joined the Tourism 360 Companies Programme and signed the Letter of Commitment. This Turismo de Portugal programme aims to support companies in integrating ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) factors into their business strategy and organisational culture, guiding them in the process of reporting information on their sustainable practices.

It should also be noted that Living Tours is already Biosphere Certified. This document is a recognition of the various actions that Living Tours has been implementing in the different pillars of sustainability (environmental,  social  and  economic)  and  that  has  made  it  an example of good practice in this matter.

An example of this is the beach cleaning actions that Living Tours promotes every year. And, in addition to saving water in the washing of their vans, Living Tours sponsors the planting of 3000 trees on 3 hectares in the National Forest of Leiria, with ZERO - Sustainable Land System Association.

Living Tours is now continuing its journey with the commitment to environmental sustainability actions in all departments, with a view to continuous improvement.