Waste aware shopping
The rubbish we put out every week can all be traced back to the products we buy, use and dispose of. Currently our options for disposal in this borough are, reuse (through an event like our give and take days), recycling, or sending to landfill.
Not everything we buy can be reused or recycled so it is important to consider how to reduce our waste when we are out shopping. Not only will we have less waste, it can also save us money.
Did you know about a third of the food we buy goes straight in the bin? This means we spend on average £800 a year on food that is thrown away!
By using our influence as consumers we can direct the market towards reducing its’ packaging and creating more sustainable goods and services with the choices we make.
Why not try some of our waste aware shopping tips next time you go shopping:
Top ten tips for waste aware shopping
- Remember keep a reusable bag(s) or old carrier bag(s) with you, so you can say ‘no thanks’ the next time you’re offered a plastic bag.
- Buy fruit and veg loose, you don’t always need to put these in the plastic bags provided.
- Buy recycled, close the loop and buy items like recycled toilet/kitchen roll.
- Refills can save you money and cut down on the amount of packaging you have to throw away.
- Plan some meals in advance, write a shopping list and try not to shop when you are hungry. This will help reduce over buying and impulse purchases that go to waste.
- Buy in bulk instead of individually wrapped goods.
- Consider buying someone an 'experience gift' or ask them what they want.
- Avoid disposable items like paper plates, razors, batteries, (try rechargeable batteries instead.)
- Ask yourself can the packaging be recycled? (For example, choose juice in plastic bottles over cartons.)
- When making a larger or specialist purchase for example an electrical item ask yourself these questions.