The most effective ways to avoid sending our waste to landfill is to reduce the amount that we create. There are many small and easy ways that we can all help to reduce the amount of waste we produce and energy we consume.
The best thing about waste prevention is not only does it help the environment, but it can also save you money too.
Here are some ways we can all make a difference.
Love Food Hate Waste
In the UK food waste is a major issue. We throw away 7 million tonnes of food and drink from our homes every year, costing us £12 billion - most of this could have been eaten. It's bad for the environment too.
For tips on how you can reduce food waste and save money go to our information on Love Food Hate Waste.
Home composting
Composting is nature's way of recycling and helps us to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. At least 30% of household waste can be composted.
Find out more about home composting.
Smart shopping
Buying disposable items may seem cheaper, but buying more durable reusable items will save you money in the long run. Throwaway shopping costs more in the end. Our bank balances and the environment take the strain. So when you're out shopping look for longer-lasting, harder-wearing products that are reusable, refillable and rechargeable.
Here are some tips for when you are out shopping:
- use reusable plastic crockery, cutlery and glass wear and cloth napkins when you have parties, barbecues and picnics
- avoid using disposable barbecues
- buy rechargeable batteries instead of disposables
- buy razors with replaceable blades
- buy refillable items – the refills are usually cheaper
- Tupperware-style or empty ice cream containers can be used for packed lunch boxes rather than using foil and cling film
- support your local milkman – the glass bottles are reused on average 13 times before they are recycled
Real nappies
Eight million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK. This is bad for the environment and costs Derbyshire residents around £1.2 million a year in disposal costs.
Using modern real nappies is easy, can save you money and reduces what you throw away. Find out more of the benefits of real nappies, including the £25 cash back we offer.
Stopping unwanted mail
Did you know that unwanted mail makes up around 5% of our waste? Most unwanted mail is thrown away unread, wasting resources and adding to waste disposal costs.
Find out more information on stopping unwanted mail.
Read all about it… online
How often do you buy a paper to catch up on the day's events and end up with a magazine supplement which you never get round to reading and a load of junk mail inserts which just go straight into the recycling bin?
Reading your daily paper online means there is nothing left over at the end of it. All national newspapers now have the day’s news stories on their website and most regional and local papers also offer the same.