Reducing what you waste and reusing items as much as possible is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. From thinking differently about what you buy, to refilling water bottles or using bags for life, to composting at home - there are lots of ways to make a real difference.
Ways to reduce the amount of waste you create
Only buy what you need, and use what you buy
Buy loose fruit and vegetables and avoid items that are heavily packaged
Sign up to paperless billing or banking
Buy products with refillable packaging
If you are able, try home composting your food waste
Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups
Buy second hand clothing and consider hiring clothing
Have a go at replacing buttons and mending faulty zips or fallen hems rather than buying new clothing
Buy items that will have a longer life than disposable items, such as rechargeable batteries and use real crockery and cutlery for your parties instead of disposable ones
Ways to reuse
Donate items that are still in a good, usable condition to charities or charity shops
Repurpose glass, plastic and cardboard containers to give them another life
Carry a re-usable shopping bag
Re-use wrapping paper or gift bags
Convert old clothing, towels or sheets into cleaning rags/cloths
To find out more about reducing your food waste, visit the Love Food Hate Waste website
To find out more about reducing the environmental impact of your wardrobe, visit the Love Your Clothes website
