- Buy the right amount - wasting food costs the environment a great deal. Think of all the energy and water that have been put into growing a field of wheat. If you throw away half a loaf of bread, or even compost it, you waste not only the calories in the bread but also the energy invested in producing and distributing it. A shopping list should help you decide how much you will need for the week.
- Try to choose re-usable or refillable items and make sure you do re-use or refill them!
- Buy rechargeable batteries instead of non-rechargeable. And if you are buying an electrical item, try to buy one which is run from the mains rather than batteries.
- In the UK we use 10 million plastic bags every day and they can lie in landfill sites indefinitely or harm wildlife if not disposed of properly. Try to use a natural fibre shopping bag instead.
- Try buying one large pack rather than lots of small ones or choose loose products rather than packaged fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables like bananas and melons already have a natural packaging from their skin so don't need a plastic bag.
- Think about ordering milk, bread and orange juice from the milkman. You will be helping a local business and milk bottles can be re-used several times reducing waste.
- Try ordering your vegetables through a delivered box scheme if you can fully use the amount you have to order. This will support local farmers and you will receive fresh in season vegetables.
- Favour items in recyclable packaging such as glass, aluminium and steel cans and paper. Also take note of the recycling facilities at your local supermarket for recycling some of your packaging on your next trip to the supermarket.
|