Wasting less means you help to keep valuable materials out of landfill sites. It also means that less energy and raw materials are used to make new products, helping to tackle climate change.

1.    Do a little planning

2.    Recycle more

3.    Compost at home

4.    Reduce unwanted mail

5.    Ditch the disposables

6.    Reuse where you can

7.    Don’t throw away: give away

                                                                                  

One forth of the food bought ends up being thrown away, wasting around $880 a year per household.


Recycling just one aluminium can saves enough energy to run a television set for three hours. To make sure you don’t forget, keep your recycling bin next to your main bin. If you have a doorstep recycling collection, make a note on your calendar or fridge of when the collections are and what you can and can’t recycle.

Over 30 per cent of an average household bin can be composted at home, from vegetable peelings and teabags, to egg boxes and shredded paper. Using a container or kitchen caddy to collect your compostable waste from the house will save you having to make so many trips to the compost bin. If you don’t have a garden, you can still stop compostable waste going to landfill; find out whether your local council has a green waste collection or take it to your local civic amenity site.

 

Many organisations now offer secure online billing instead of monthly paper bills. Eliminate junk mail by registering for free with the Mail Preference Service to have your name, as well as those of previous residents, removed from direct mail lists.

Use products with a longer life and you’ll cut down on what you throw away. For example, think about using rechargeable batteries, or try avoiding disposable cutlery and plates at parties. Energy saving light bulbs can last around 10 times longer than standard bulbs. You could also buy more concentrated versions of many products such as your washing detergent or washing up liquid.

Over 13 billion plastic bags are distributed in the UK every year. Reuse your plastic bags as often as you can or take a stronger canvas or reusable shopping bag every time you go shopping. Choose reusable products when you can; buying secondhand is a great way to pick up bargains, find unique items and cut down on energy used manufacturing new products.

Mobile phones, computers, printer cartridges, clothes, books and even left-over paint can all find happy homes away from the landfill site. Charity organisations, internet auction sites and free exchange schemes like Freecycle are perfect for your unwanted items. Every time a donated item stops a new item being created, it can help save energy and tackle climate change.