How to reduce waste
- Avoid
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycle
Avoid
- Refuse junk mail if you don’t want to read it
- Share magazines and newspapers or access them free at the library
- Use alternatives to plastic shopping bags
- Purchase rechargeable batteries
- Avoid buying single-use products such as disposable nappies and plastic plates
Reduce
- Buy in bulk and look for products with minimal packaging
- Photocopy and print on both sides of the paper
- Set up a compost bin or worm farm in your backyard for food scraps
- Make food at home instead of buying takeaways or fast food to avoid packaging waste
- Reduce food waste by not over catering or throwing out leftovers
Reuse
- Reuse plastic bags when shopping and for storage
- Reuse gift wrapping paper and ribbon
- Reuse glass and plastic containers for storing buttons, screws, food and other items
- Buy items in refillable containers where possible
- Collect egg cartons, yogurt and ice-cream containers, buttons for kindergartens, day care centres and schools
- Maintain household items so they last longer
Recycle
- Compost kitchen scraps and garden clippings in a compost bin or worm farm
- Recycle through the kerbside recycling system
- Buy recycled products
This page last updated 16 February, 2012 12:10 PM
