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Reducing the amount of waste you produce
The first step to win the battle against the increasing levels of waste should be reducing the amount of waste we all produce. We can make a conscious decision to take responsibility when we do our weekly shop to reduce the amount of potential waste we purchase.
You can help by:
- making a shopping list and sticking to it. This will help you to try to buy only what you need and help to resist those special offers
- buying loose fruit and vegetables and not pre-packaged. This is a cheaper option and cuts down on packaging. Do not use a small plastic carrier. As many fruits and vegetables have their own protective skins you should wash them before eating.
- buying non-perishable products such as household cleaners in the largest size possible. Then you'll only have one container to throw away and it's cheaper.
- choosing goods with the least packaging. One layer is enough; layers and layers of plastic are not necessary.
- going for glass bottles and jars or tins. Cartons and plastic can be difficult and expensive to recycle.
- buying refills of the products you buy regularly such as washing detergents. This will save on money and packaging
- using re-usable goods which last longer than single items, such as reusable dish cloths, dusters, razors and real nappies.
- taking your own shopping bag and avoiding free plastic bags. If you say no to plastic bags supermarkets may just get the message.
- using supermarket recycling banks when you shop rather than making an extra trip. This potentially saves on time and petrol and supermarkets may become aware of how much of an issue packaging really is
- buying recycled goods. This means materials can be used for a second time, and it reduces our dependence on raw materials and finite resources.*
*Tips provided by the Women's Environmental Network (WEN).