Reducing waste
Reducing the amount of waste you produce in the first place is easy to do. Here are a few easy ways to reduce and reuse things and limit the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. Remember it costs money to throw our waste into landfill!
Bags for life
Choose a reusable ‘bag for life’ if you can, instead of plastic carrier bags and reuse it again and again. If you do have to use plastic bags, then reuse them. Or you can take plastic bags back to your supermarket for them to recycle.
Charity
There are many worthy charities with shops in most high streets. If you have unwanted clothes and bric a brac, then pass on your items to your local charity shop.
www.freecycle.org
Join the Freecycle Network which has over seven million members worldwide! It’s a network of local groups who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about reusing things and keeping them out of landfill. Join your local group today – your rubbish could be another person’s treasure.
Love Food Hate Waste
Write a shopping list before you go to the supermarket so you don’t buy food you will throw away. Plan your meals in advance and freeze any extra food you have made. More top tips and ideas can be found at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
Furniture projects
Furniture projects rely on donations of good quality furniture, sofas and white goods for the home. These are provided to families on low budgets. To arrange a free collection please contact any of the following furniture projects:
- CHAS Furniture project - 01274 731909
- Keighley Furniture project - 01535 601999
- Newlands Furniture project - 01274 774977
- Windhill Furniture project - 01274 593196
Unwanted mail
Reduce the amount of unsolicited junk mail you receive. Register online with the Mailing Preference Service who can remove your name and address from up to 95% of direct mailing lists.
In the office
Make sure that you print using both sides of paper. Don’t forget to recycle any printer cartridges too.
Top tips for minimising your waste:
- Shop smart – think about what you are buying, do you really need it!
- Consider the packaging – buy products with no or little packaging.
- Buy loose – many foods can be bought loose such as fruit and vegetables.
- Buy long lasting products – avoid disposable items such as disposable cameras and razors.
- Buy refillable products – such as ink cartridges and cleaning products.
- Buy in bulk – it's better to buy one big container than lots of small ones.
- Stop unwanted junk mail – sign up to the mail preference service at www.mpsonline.org.uk
- Use a bag for life instead of getting lots of plastic carrier bags.
- Use rechargeable batteries.
- Use reusable boxes and bottles for packed lunches and storage of food in the fridge rather than foil or cling film.
- Reuse jars and pots for storage.
- Reuse the back of paper for scrap paper.
- Reuse envelopes by using sticky labels to cover the old address.
- Repair broken items instead of buying replacements.
- Donate old clothes and shoes to charity shops.
- Donate old furniture and appliances to charity or use Freecycle
