Currently, Switzerland
uses several methods in an attempt to responsibly consume and produce these
natural resources, among those methods are that of recycling (Switzerland
2020a). According to the latest reports, Switzerland citizens recycle 94% of
glass, 81% of PET containers, and 90% of aluminum (Switzerland, 2020a). The
Swiss citizens tend to view recycling as a way of ensuring both land and water
will remain unpolluted, and continue to be usable. In addition to this, Switzerland also has
essentially electrified railways which run every 12 minutes throughout the
country (Switzerland, 2020b). Not only is this mode of transportation widely
used, but it also prevents from roadways being built on agriculture land, as well
as air pollution (Switzerland, 2020b).
The country of
Switzerland is one of the most eco-conscious within the UN and in addition to
the previously mentioned methods of responsible consumption and production, the
country of Switzerland also works to educate and incentivize their citizens to
be eco-conscious as well. Due to these
policies, the public sector of Switzerland is increasingly requiring
environmentally friendly, and resource-saving products (House of Switzerland,
n/d). Along with this, more Swiss companies are repairing products, or
replacing components, as opposed to buying all new, as well as relying on
locally generated renewable energy, in order to reduce environmental impacts
(House of Switzerland, n/d).
Although not all of the initiatives for responsible consumption and production in Switzerland are mentioned above, several of the methods are. As Switzerland has long since been viewed as one of the most eco-conscious countries, perhaps some other countries will begin to take a look at Swiss methods, and even consider modeling their own methods after it.
References
Switzerland.
(2020a). Switzerland- a nation of recyclers. https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/planning/about-switzerland/sustainability/switzerland-nation-of-recyclers/.
Switzerland
(2020b), Railway network: every 12 minutes a train. https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/planning/about-switzerland/sustainability/sustainable-activities/railway-network-every-12-minutes-a-train/.
House
of Switzerland. (n/d). Key aspects of environmental protection in Switzerland. https://www.houseofswitzerland.org/swissstories/environment/key-aspects-environmental-protection-switzerland.
Hello Eleanor!
ReplyDeleteI am impressed that Switzerland is able to recycle 94% of glass and 90% of aluminum. They are setting an excellent example that all other countries should try to follow. Electric railways are a great way to reduce the pollution from cars and buses, I do wish we had more railways here and less roads. It seems like Switzerland is setting the standard for how countries should coordinate their recycling and public transport programs, hopefully the U.S and other countries take note and follow in their example. Thanks for the great read!
Alice M.
Hello Eleanor,
ReplyDeleteI imagine Switzerland as a clean, beautiful and well taken care of country. I found it shocking at how well the people of Switzerland take care of their country, they recycle 94% glass, 81% PET containers and 90% of aluminum containers! I think they recycle way more there compared to the United States. I hope other countries learn from Switzerland so that they are better taken care of. I enjoyed reading your post and learned something new!
Hello Eleanor,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post and you did an excellent job in informing about the substantial development of Switzerland. I am extremely impressed by Switzerland's ability to recycle as much as they do and they are an excellent example for the United States to follow. Hopefully due to their environmental efforts, it will push not only the United states to follow suit, but for other countries as well. This post just gave me even more of a reason to visit this country one day.
Hi Eleanor,
ReplyDeleteReading your post about the eco-friendly tactics of Switzerland was quite refreshing. Amongst most of the topics we read about bring my spirits down a bit, however, your post was very uplifting and informative. I did not think it was possible in today's time to recycle as much as Switzerland does. Furthermore, how amazing is it that a central government can address an environmental concern with such success.