Reduce
Waste reduction starts at the supermarket. By making slight alterations to your shopping list you can significantly reduce the amount of waste created in and around the home.
Buy only what you need
Reduce unnecessary waste by avoiding those pointless purchases. Items that rarely get used can be borrowed or shared with others.
Buy reusable products
Buy bottles instead of cans and rechargeable batteries. Items such as this create very little waste, as they don’t have to be thrown away after they have been used just once.
Buy products with less packaging
So that less packaging ends up in your rubbish bin. For those items you use regularly, buy them in bulk instead of in smaller amounts. This will save you money as well as reduce waste.
Give away unwanted items
Reduce waste by donating unwanted items to family, friends or neighbours. You could even sell your possessions in a car-boot sale and earn some extra cash.
Reducing hazardous waste
Many hazardous products cannot be recycled as they contain harmful chemicals. However, there are ways of reducing waste by dealing with hazardous products in the correct manor.
Reducing hazardous waste
Use all of the toxic product, such as furniture polish, so there is no hazardous material left in the container when it is discarded.
Find safer alternatives
You can even make your own household cleaners using products such as baking soda and vinegar. Olive oil with lemon juice is a good alternative to furniture polish and using scented candles are a good alternative to air fresheners.
Think before you throw away
Many of the items that you would normally consider as rubbish could be used for other purposes. So instead of throwing items away, reduce waste by using them for other roles.
Paper & envelopes
Can be used as scrap paper for making notes.
Card, newspaper & bubblewrap
Can be used as packing materials. Packaging products, such as foil and egg cartons, can be used for art projects in schools and nurseries.
pOTS & JARS
Can be used as small containers to store odds and ends.
pLASTIC & PAPER BAGS
Can be reused in the shops, used as bin bags around the house or as wrapping paper.
Save energy, save money & help save the planet
