Some of the ideas on this page will save you time, some will take a little time or planning. Some will cost a little more, some will save you a fortune.
My advice: Choose a couple, make them part of your routine, then choose a couple more. Start with the ones that work best for you and your family.
How you can reduce waste
- Are you composting as much as you can? (Check out our list of what can be composted)
- When you buy from the deli/bulk bins/butcher – take your own packaging
- Use your own reusable shopping bags
- Use tulle or string bags for vegetables
- Use beeswax wraps or paper instead of cling film
- Buy electrical goods and household items that come with a lifetime warranty. (They may cost a little more but in the long run you will save!)
- Buy in bulk where possible – and put it in your own containers.
- Buy items such as coffee, spreads et cetera in reusable glass jars where possible
- Take your own travel mug to the cafe
- Take your own containers to get the takeaways/cafe food
- Make the kids lunch snacks to avoid individually wrapped bars and biscuits. This is healthier and cheaper – Check out some great snack ideas here and some easy recipes here
- Use a zero waste lunchbox for your kids
- Use cloth nappies or nappy pants (you will save a fortune!)
- Line your rubbish bin with newspaper.
- Lead the charge – tell retailers you do not want plastic packaging, straws, plastic lids et cetera on your takeaway coffee.
- Make your own personal care items such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo
Before you throw that thing away have you considered…
- Selling it on TradeMe
- Selling or giving it away on Facebook groups (Online Garage Sales, Sustainable Ewe)
- Second Hand Sunday (February each year)
- Donating to Hospice Shop
- Donating to the SPCA Shop
- Books, Games and Jigsaws – Lions Bookarama
- Sheets, Towels, Newspapers – The SPCA Shelter
- Old white ware – Scrap metal merchants or take to the transfer station (for FREE)