“Single-use” has been named by Collins Dictionary as its 2018 word of the year.
The word came out on top ahead of a shortlist including “VAR” (video assistant referee), “plogging” – meaning to pick up litter while jogging – and the Fortnite-inspired “floss” dance.
Other shortlisted words were “gammon”, defined as “a person, typically male, middle-aged, and white, with reactionary views, especially one who supports the withdrawal of Britain from the European Union”, and “vegan”.
Collins said that the word “single-use” has become four times more popular since 2013 and cited the popularity of programmes such as BBC One’s Blue Planet 2 as a factor.
The dictionary said that news stories and images seen in television documentaries and news reports had played a part in “steeply raising public awareness of the issue”.
According to Collins, “single-use refers to products – often plastic – that are ‘made to be used once only’ before disposal.” This can include products used worldwide every day, such as bottles, straws and bags – the improper disposal of which is common and can have dire effects on the environment.
At Acumen, we are committed to providing a service that suits your business as well as the environment. We offer a comprehensive range of recycling services, handling materials including plastic, rubber and wood to ensure that your waste is disposed of in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. Acumen also offer a range of 100% recycled rubber chippings suitable for use in a wide variety of purposes, and can also work with your business to reduce overall waste.
For more information on Acumen’s services, please feel free to get in touch today on 01977 529586 or by emailing at info@acumenwaste.co.uk.
