Portugal's government
has a progressive and forward thinking policy on
environmental impact and is pushing forward with many
campaigns to ensure Portugal reduces it's reliance on
fossil fuels and is keen to promote recycling.
In addition to the many governmental bodies devoted to
recycling the country's waste produce, there are several
privately funded institutions have been created to help
organise and promote the benefits of recycling.
Once such company, Sociedade Ponte Verde - a non-profit
making institution promotes environmental awareness -
celebrated it's tenth anniversary this year (2008)
and has been a stalwart in implementing the introduction
of recycling points throughout Portugal.
Such is the success of Ponte Verde's promotional
campaigns to re-educate the population about the
distribution of waste products it reported up to 63% of
the population actively sort their rubbish to allow it
to be recycled in 2007.
This
phenomenally high percentage could be due to the
nation's already enlightened attitude to recycling.
However a good proportion of praise has to be given to
the Ponte Verde's active campaigning. In the first six
months of 2008 alone they have managed to increase the
amount of recycled domestic waste by 22%
.
