Reduce your waste in 5 easy steps
1
Stop unwanted mail
To stop receiving unsolicited advertising mail, contact the Mailing Preference Service and Royal Mail.
Be aware when giving your name and address; ensure you indicate you don't want your details to be used for future promotions or passed to other marketing agencies.
2
Think before you shop
Before you shop, think about how you could reduce your waste. For example, you could buy things with less packaging, or second-hand items.
Can you buy something that will last longer rather than a disposable item? Rechargeable batteries are cheaper than disposables, and they can be used again and again - and using real crockery and cutlery for your parties instead of disposable ones can make a real difference.
To avoid taking home more carrier bags, choose reusable shopping bags: keep them in the car boot or pop a folded cotton bag in your handbag or pocket so you always have one to hand.
3
Your rubbish is another person’s treasure!
Contact the Re-use Line if you have good quality, bulky furniture items or white goods and they will see if a local re-use store can take your items. Or advertise your old furniture in your local paper or on websites such as Freecycle or Freegle.
Having a clear out? Donate good quality clothing, books and unwanted gifts to charity shops. Alternatively use the clothing banks at your local recycling centre.
4
Avoid wasting food
Every year in the UK we throw away £12.5 billion worth of good food, costing the average family almost £60 a month.
To find out useful tips on the storage of food, tantalising recipes and advice on portioning and meal planning, visit Love Food Hate Waste.
5
Re-paint
Donate left-over paint to your local charity. To find your nearest scheme visit Community Repaint.