Waste and recycling are big issues in our throw away society. Although we only measure the impact of consumer packaging waste with the Habbit, there are many other waste streams. |
Shop Smartly
Before starting on your shopping trip, try to keep in mind that the best thing you can ever do is to not use the material in the first place. Remember to:
REFUSE »
REDUCE »
REUSE »
RECYCLE »
Here are some tips to change the way you shop to reduce waste, help our environment and even save money!
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Say "NO" to excess packaging
Take your own shopping bags, basket, box or backpack to reduce the number of carrier bags you use.
Buy products and shop at retailers who use less packaging. Send a message that you don't want overly packed goods.
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REDUCE |
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Buy goods with less packaging
Don't buy products which packed excessively. Where there is no alternative, remove the packaging before you leave the shop. This will help send a message to the retailer that you like the products but not the packaging.
Buy fruit and vegetables loose, not wrapped. Avoid products that are individually wrapped, or with multiples layers of packaging (eg. biscuits in a cardboard box which is also wrapped in plastic)
Many fruit and vegetables have their own "packaging, so why buy them wrapped on a foam plate? Also, consider whether you need to put your loose vegetables into a separate plastic bag.
Buy economy sized products, concentrates and refills to save both money and packaging. This could include goods like detergents and cleaning products. Look out for shops and services where you can bring your own refillable containers?
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Reuse plastic bags and choose items that can be reused many times
Choose durable and reusable products instead of disposable ones. For example:
» pens with replaceable refills
» razors with replaceable blades
» using rechargeable batteries instead of single-use ones.
» sponges instead of paper towels
» cloth nappies instead of disposables
Reuse and repair products, or buy quality second-hand goods. Particularly consider the impact of buying new electrical equipment. A new PC can account for more than 10% of your annual CO2 emissions.
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RECYCLE |
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Choose products with recyclable packaging. Learn what can be recycled and choose as many products as possible made from recyclable packaging. Recycling packaging means less waste is sent to landfill and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by up to 50%!
Most local authorities will only recycle plastics marked with 2 and 5 on it. If you buy a plastic packaged product which is unmarked or made of a different material it will not be recycled.
Buy products which contain recycled content: check the label. Many paper products (including toilet paper and tissues) aluminium cans, PET and glass products could have been recycled. If you "close the loop" you will help increase recycling demand and reduce the price of recycled goods.
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