IT SOMETIMES seems as if every aspect of our lives is subject to
environmental regulations of one kind or another. Empty wine bottles must
be left out on the pavement in the appropriate receptacle. Every object you
purchase comes with instructions on how it can be recycled after use. And
in the workplace, one is presented with a range of waste bins whose uses
must be deciphered before one can dispose of one’s lunchtime sandwich wrapper.
But it seems there are some exceptions to the rule that everything needs to
be capable of being recycled. And, somewhat bizarrely, these exceptions
include the most visible symbol of the green revolution – the wind turbine.
As we report today, rotor blades on hundreds of wind turbines scattered
around the Scottish countryside may have to be buried in the ground after
use because they are made of a complex amalgam of materials that would be
difficult to recycle down to its component ingredients.
Of course, this is an industry in its infancy, and in the race to develop
world-leading technology sometimes corners are cut in order to bring a
product to market. But this is almost beyond parody. It is the industrial
equivalent of the speeding traffic cop, the drunk GP or the teacher who
cannot spell. It is, in short, unacceptable.
Environmental constraints and recycling regimes may often feel like a pain,
but most of us accept them as a necessary irritant and the price of a more
sustainable way of life. We are entitled, however, to expect the
sustainables industry to be on the side of the angels, and not a risible
demonstration of worst possible practice.
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