Waste less, reuse, recycle

There has been a decrease in the amount of waste produced in London over the past three years. However, there are still a lot of work that needs to be done to reach targets.

Recycling is a great way to turn rubbish into something useful. Preventing waste is even better. Therefore, if you reduce the amount that you produce in the first place and reuse things for a second time, you will also avoid the industrial processes that are involved in recycling.

Waste less, shop smart

There are a lot of ways you can produce less waste when you’re out shopping.  Follow these tips and you can see how much less waste you will produce.

• Say “no” to single-use bags. Take your own bags when you go shopping. This will also mean you avoid paying 5p per bag.
• When buying gifts, think about how to wrap them in an environmentally friendly way.
• Plan your meals and make a list before going shopping.
• Buy refills of products like washing detergents, coffee, hand wash and use refillable drinking bottles. It is also much cheaper.
• Packaging costs money and can increase the price of goods. A little packaging can help to prolong the life of some foods but try to avoid excess packaging, especially on Easter eggs, toys and individually wrapped items like biscuits. Wherever possible, look for unpackaged products or buy products packaged in reusable or recyclable material.
• Avoid disposable items that are used once and then thrown away. There are other products available which can be reused, for example rechargeable batteries, razors where the head can be replaced and low energy light bulbs.