Do it the Spanish way, Recycling the way to go

Published: 22 Jul 2010

In a bid to support meaningful environmental legislation and enforcement, promised by Government, Guardian Media continues to showcase environmental best practices worldwide.

In part two of this guest column in our multi media “Cleaning up the Mess” series, his excellency Joaquín de Arístegui Laborde Ambassador of Spain tells us how Spain, despite the deep economic challenges it has faced has developed a robust environmental policy.

Spain, in close co-ordination with other European Union partners and under the guidance of the EU Commission has focused on very specific issues: • Energy diversification and enhanced efficiency: as a traditional net importer of fossil fuels, Spain has been able to diversify its energy bill, and has become one of the leading countries in the production of renewable energy (wind, hydraulic and solar).  • Waste recycling: the treatment of metal, plastic, paper and glass residues is a cause of major health and environmental concern, and considerable public expenditure. In this context, Spain has become one of the leading EU countries in recycling. In 2009 alone, Spanish citizens recycled 62 per cent of all waste containers, surpassing by seven points the objectives laid down by the EU Commission. In the last ten years, more than ten million tonnes of rubbish have been collected, of which eight million have been recycled (to understand the magnitude of this figure, it represents 750 Santiago Bernabeu stadiums—95,000 seater—packed to capacity). This impressive recycling feat implies a massive reduction of CO2 emissions, energy savings close to nine billion kilowatts (annual electricity usage of 90,000 Spaniards) and a reduction of water use close to 214 million m3 (annual consumption of some four million people). The recycling of one tonne of waste in Spain costs, on average, close to €36 (almost TT$275); in metal scrap alone, Spain recycles more than 300,000 tonnes per year. As for paper, one tonne of waste is equivalent to 17 trees; Spain recycles per annum, on average, 4,700 billion tonnes of used paper and cardboard (63 per cent of its total consumption). With plastic, between 2008 and 2009 a new record was attained, reaching 210,000 tonnes (the use of plastic bottles has been reduced by 35 per cent in the past 20 years, and of cans by 20 per cent since 1999). • Soil protection and responsible land and forest use: our essential resources are the sun, land and sea. Due to its geographical location, the Spanish territory is exposed to a high degree of erosion. With scarce natural productive resources and an increasingly urban and industrialised society, Spain has moved towards bioenergy and biofuels and specialises in fire prevention and the recovery of forests. Equally, as one of the world’s favourite tourism destinations, a change in the paradigm in the use of our coastline and national parks has taken place, stopping the construction frenzy of the late ’70s and ’80s, and expanding the offer of eco-tourism. As a result, today, Spain has the largest number of the so called “Blue Flags” (571), prestigious eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education/FEE to the safest and most environmental-friendly beaches and marinas in the world. n Social awareness, empowerment and ownership: putting in place a sustainable economy is a shared responsibility. Taxpayers have the right to demand services from the State. In return, citizens have a duty to comply with laws. In Spain, all relevant actors are involved in the recycling process. Education, dissemination of relevant information, and the active involvement of the media and NGOs is essential. Government ministries directly concerned (Ministry for the Environment, Land and Marine Resources, and Ministry of Industry and Trade, co-ordinated by the Prime Minister’s Office), regional and local Authorities, together, leaving aside political differences. The business community also has an important say in the matter: more than 13,000 companies have joined the national recycling plan. Most importantly, individuals and families play a crucial role in the process: recycling and environment protection starts at home, at school, at work, in small gestures in the streets, and also while driving and travelling.  • Integrated legal framework: sustainable development requires a very complex and sensitive legal scheme. A smooth transition from conventional production and consumer habits is necessary: the structural change that is needed cannot happen overnight. And yet, urgent measures and a firm commitment are unavoidable. The Spanish government has developed two basic strategies: one, directly related to the protection of the environment, the Spanish Sustainable Development Strategy/SSDS; the other, more oriented to  sustainable economy, the Plan E (aimed at providing the proper stimulus to the economy and employment). Additionally, and in full compliance with EU directives, our Parliament is about to pass the new Waste and Contaminated Soil Act, which will become one of the most progressive bills on the environment and on the sustainable use of resources. In protecting its economy and environment, every nation has to deal with its problems according to its needs and capacities. There is no such thing as a universal model to solve all the issues at stake. But sharing good practices and successful experiences can help some countries find their way. Spain has learnt from its mistakes and the achievements of others and is today in a position to share its knowledge and technology with other partners. We have already realised that greener economies, eco-innovation and sustainable energies contribute to economic growth and generate jobs. It might be a slower growth, but it will certainly be a more solid one. The kind of growth that will bring about not only a sustainable economy for us, but more importantly, a sustainable future for the next generations.” MORE INFO Look out for our ongoing series on CNC3 on “Cleaning up the Mess.” This Sunday at 10.30 am and at 6 pm when Ira Mathur speaks with Jeff Mazur, Chief of the Political-Economic Section of the US Embassy on best practices in America and Trinidad based Physicist, Peter Vine on T&T’s current environmental challenges. Continue to send in your comments and photos to cleaningupthemess@guardian.co.tt. Source: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/07/22/do-it-spanish-way-recycling-way-go