How to reduce your waste:
If you reduce the amount of waste you produce, you have less
waste to dispose of. It may sound simple and logical but many people
don’t realise that it takes a change in habit to reduce waste.
Firstly, look at what products you buy from the supermarket
(if you go), how many of the things could you buy with less packaging
on? Many people would agree that many products in the supermarket are
over packaged, so look for alternatives. If you want to almost
completely reduce this start by shopping at local farmers markets or by
shopping at greengrocers for loose fruit and veg.
Secondly, only buy what you need. Many supermarkets offer 2
for 1 or 2 for £3 etc but do you really need that extra food/drink? It
may appear to be saving you money but not if you just end up throwing
it away because it has gone out of date before you had time to consume
it.
Thirdly, try to buy alternative products that can be reused such as rechargeable batteries or glass milk bottles.
Fourthly, don’t throw away things that you could be used again
by someone who might appreciate it. You could donate unwanted items to
a charity or friends/family. Alternatively you could visit the
freecycle website (*Details below) and allow someone in you area to
have it instead.
Remember that the first two Rs (Reduce and Reuse) are the most
important way of tackling waste and recycling should only be the final
stage when the product no longer has a use.
How to reduce your waste this Christmas:
Invest in some reusable bags if you have not yet bought any,
these are better for the environment than plastic bags as plastic
doesn’t ever go away. You could even buy some for your friends and
family as gifts.
Try to avoid wrapping your presents with wrapping paper, it is
usually only used once and then thrown away. Alternatives to wrapping
paper could be pages from magazines/comics or gift boxes/bags tied with
string or ribbon that can be reused.
Make your own decorations from things laying around the house
if your old ones are looking shabby, you could even update the ones you
have by adding beads, glitter or bits of fabric.
Try to buy locally grown vegetables because it hasn’t
travelled very far and generally comes without packaging. Organic or
free range meat is not only better for the environment it also means
the animal has enjoyed a reasonable life.
If anyone has anymore ideas on how to save waste this Christmas, please add to this list. Merry Christmas :-)
* Freecycle - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/huddersfieldfreecycle/
A forum where people within Huddersfield can pass on unwanted items to
others by posting a message up describing the item. Also people can
post items that they would like with the description 'WANTED' so if
other people have the item that has been requested and they no longer
want it, they can offer it to this person. In order to use this service
you should sign up for a yahoo account and join the freecycle group for
your area.
