Globally, environmental sustainability is a critical issue, and cities are at the centre of efforts to slow down environmental deterioration. But some communities still fall behind in their environmental efforts, even as awareness of the value of green policies grows. The UK's least green towns have been revealed by a recent study conducted by national skip hiring firm Reliable Skip. The report provides an eye-opening look at urban places that struggle with recycling, air quality, and green space.
Nottingham Leads the List
Topping the list as the UK's least green city, Nottingham scored a disappointing 43.75 out of 100 on the green scale. Surprisingly, only 23.9% of household waste is recycled in Nottingham, and the city's air quality index stands at 2.31, according to 2022 data. Despite having 31 nature and park attractions, this only amounts to 0.96 per 10,000 people, underscoring the need for a more concerted effort towards green living in the city.
Sunderland and Glasgow Follow
Sunderland takes the second spot with a slightly better score of 44.83. The city sees 28.1% of its household waste recycled and has an air quality score of 2.58. However, Sunderland falls short in terms of green spaces, with only 0.43 nature & park attractions per 10,000 people.
With a score of 45.18, Glasgow is the only Scottish city in the top three. The city has an air quality rating of 2.43 and recycles 27.3% of its domestic garbage. Though better than Sunderland, Glasgow's 45 nature and park attractions (or 0.75 per 10,000 inhabitants) still need to be improved upon in order to create a more environmentally friendly metropolitan environment.
Birmingham and Liverpool
Birmingham ranks fourth with a score of 45.2, recycling a mere 22.5% of all household waste—the lowest of any city in the study. The city's air quality score is 2.81, and it provides only 0.54 nature and park attractions per 10,000 people.
Liverpool rounds out the top five least green cities in the UK with a score of 46.94. The city recycles 23.5% of its household waste and has an air quality score of 2.63. In terms of green spaces, Liverpool fares slightly better than Birmingham, with 0.97 nature and park attractions per 10,000 people.
A Call to Action
The study's conclusions draw attention to notable differences in environmental and waste management strategies throughout UK cities. Reliable Skip's Operations Director, Paul Bennett, highlights the significance of public knowledge and action in reducing the environmental impact of the UK. To secure a healthier, more sustainable future for their citizens, cities with lower green scores must strengthen their recycling initiatives, raise air quality, and expand access to green spaces.
Each of us has a personal responsibility to promote and implement greener practices. Recycling should be prioritised, green projects should be backed, and we should demand more from our local government in order to bring about the required change for a more sustainable urban environment. It takes a team effort to achieve environmental sustainability.