Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

You can recycle most things and it’s is beneficial in two ways:

• it reduces the inputs (energy and raw materials) to a production system, and reduces the amount of waste produced for disposal.

• On average every person in the UK throws away their own body weight in waste every seven weeks. We all know we should recycle more but we can’t always be bothered - and where do you put the stuff that’s not going in the bin?

Did you know that:

• 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.

• 1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.

• 1 recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.

• Up to 60% of the rubbish that ends up in the dustbin could be recycled.
  The unreleased energy contained in the average dustbin each year could power a television for 5,000 hours.

• On average, 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish.

• As much as 50% of waste in the average dustbin could be composted.

Reduce

• don’t buy heavily packed goods

• buy ‘loose’ food rather than pre-packaged

• stop junk mail and faxes through the Mailing Preference Service

• cancel delivery of unwanted newspapers, donate old magazines to waiting rooms

• use your own shopping bags when visiting the supermarket or use the doorstep delivery service

• grow your own vegetables. Many varieties can be grown in small gardens
  use a nappy laundry service, and save disposable ones for holidays and long journeys

• take a packed lunch to work or school in a reusable plastic container

Reuse

• reuse carrier bags. Each person in the UK uses an average of 134 plastic bags each year

• reuse scrap paper for writing notes, etc

• reuse envelopes - stick labels over the address

• rent or borrow items you don’t use very often - e.g. party decorations and crockery. Some supermarkets hire out glasses for parties, saving on disposable cups

• donate old computer and audio visual equipment to community groups or schools

• buy rechargeable items instead of disposable ones e.g. batteries and cameras

• buy things in refillable containers e.g. washing powders

• buy concentrated products which use less packaging

• take old clothes and books to charity shops, or have a car boot sale
  look for long lasting (and energy efficient) appliances when buying new electrical items - ensure these are well-maintained to increase product life cycle

Recycle

• choose products in packaging which you know can be recycled

• compost - lots of kitchen waste can be composted. Contact your local council for details of local composting schemes and details of any compost bin sales.

• buy products made from recycled materials. Most supermarkets now stock a wide range of these items