Waste Minimisation Tips

Finding good homes for household items we no longer need or want can help in the battle to reduce waste and save resources. There are many other ways to reduce waste in our homes, schools and places of work, using ordinary, common-sense methods that are available to almost everyone. If you haven't already put some of these waste reduction ideas to work, consider the following:

Be a waste-conscious shopper

Careful buying will not only save you money on the products themselves, but you will be throwing out less packaging and fewer worn out products. A staggering £430 worth of food per person is thrown away in the UK per year so only buy food that you really need.


Buy durable products

Buy products that are built to last and that can be repaired. Maintain products and fix them when possible.


Avoid disposable products

There are now so many disposable products in our consumer culture that the list is nearly endless. Waste can be avoided by switching to cloth napkins, towels and nappies, washable plates and other tableware for picnics, rechargeable batteries, refillable razors, lighters, pens and pencils. Carry a reusable, insulated travel mug in your car for hot or cold drinks. Think of all the plastic and paper cups you will eliminate.


Buy in bulk

Not all products are necessarily priced cheaper in larger sized packaging, but you will still have less packaging per product to throw away. Some bulk items include: pet foods, laundry, soap and cereals. Concentrates will also save money and packaging waste.


Avoid unnecessary packaging

Look for fruit and vegetables that are loose, they are generally cheaper. Some products come in alternate packaging like eggs. Why buy plastic egg boxes when the cardboard ones are recyclable?
Bring your own mug to the office and take a shopping bag to the shops. Invest in reusable cloth bags for your shopping needs and keep a few in your car.


Buy recyclable and products

Choose packaging made of glass, paper and plastic bottles and be sure to recycle the packaging when you are finished with it.


Donate

Take unwanted clothes to your local charity shop or clothes bank. Even if clothes are worn out, if put in a clothing bank they can be shredded and used for filling. You can also try www.freecycle.org, post unwanted items, there is always someone that will have a use for it!


Borrow or rent

For equipment or other items that you rarely use, rent or borrow items, or share equipment with friends.


Compost

Your kitchen and garden waste can be put into a home composter. Once composted down you can use it on your garden. Click here for more information on composting.


Avoid unwanted mail

Join the Mail Preference Service at www.mpsonline.org.uk or call 08457 034599 and cut out all those mail shots that come through your door.

Added: 17 July 2008