Reduce

Reduce is the first option in minimising waste and helping the environment by not using unnecessary natural resources. By Reducing waste you will have the most beneficial impact on the environment and save the need to Reuse or Recycle materials.

Here are a few things we can do to Reduce the waste we generate.

Junk mail – this is one area that we can all make a difference. Reducing the volume of junk mail we receive is easy to do, just register with the Mail Preference Service. You can do that by registering online at www.mpsonline.org.uk or phoning them on 0845 703 4599. Alternatively, download this form and post it. It may take a few months to notice a difference but you will notice a huge reduction in the volume of junk mail you receive. Junk mail is time consuming and wasteful.

If you have a business or home fax machine you can also reduce the number of unsolicited fax messages you receive. Just as with junk mail you can register with the Fax Preference Service online at http://www.fpsonline.org.uk/ or by phoning 0845 070 0702.

Packaging – is probably the biggest area in which we can all make a difference. There are simple steps you can take to help Reduce the volume of packaging used. Buy fruit and vegetables loose rather than pre-packed. Not only will you Reduce packaging but you will also be able to see the items more clearly and may even be buying fresher produce. Try buying diluting cordials or juice rather than individual cans and bottles. A single bottle of cordial can make gallons of juice, saving lots of cans or plastic bottles. Similarly with cleaning products, concentrated products Reduce packaging needs but also take up less space in cupboards.

Try and buy items that are not over packaged. If you are sending items away or giving gifts then try and Reduce the packaging used. Gifts are just as pleasing when given in a Reusable gift bag as they are when fully wrapped in gift paper.

Repair – consider repairing items rather than replacing them. Electrical appliances, for example, can often be repaired rather than replaced. The same can be true of many other items such as furniture and some toys or games. Computers can be repaired or upgraded to keep pace with technology rather than considering a full replacement.

If you do need to replace an item then consider buying second-hand. Many people sell off relatively new items that are no longer required or were not exactly what they expected.

Disposables – is another area many of us can make a difference in. Try and avoid using disposable items such as razors, nappies, cameras and items such a plates and cutlery. In each case there are excellent Reusable alternatives that will often cost less in the long run.

Shopping bags – don’t take unnecessary carrier bags at the supermarket. Try and avoid putting bags within bags when shopping. Some items can be double or even triple wrapped where a single wrapping would be enough. The majority of plastic bags (80%) end up in landfill sites where they DO NOT bio-degrade.

Batteries – Reduce the number of batteries that are used. Try alternatives to batteries such as wind-up radios or solar powered lighting for outdoor areas. Many radios come with power adaptors, try using it on mains power rather than battery power when available. If you do need to use batteries then try using rechargeable, more expensive to buy but much cheaper in the longer term.