Reduce

Thought 'waste reduction' was about slimming or losing weight? Think again! It's about finding smart ways to avoid producing rubbish. Cutting out rubbish altogether (by not producing it in the first place) is the best possible way to save the planet and the pounds.

Eliminating rubbish not only saves valuable materials being thrown away and wasted, it cuts the cost of disposal (landfill tax) and means councils have more money in the pot to pay for local services.

Here are Recycle for London’s top tips for reducing waste.

Nappies

If you have a baby then consider using 'real' nappies instead of disposable ones. Around 50 per cent of the rubbish generated by a household with a baby is made up of nappies!

Modern washable nappies are really easy to use and are now available in high street stores. Even if you use them just some of the time it will make a real difference to the amount of rubbish your family produces. 

Visit: www.realnappiesforlondon.org.uk or www.nappyeverafter.co.uk to find out more.

Shopping

When you're out shopping, keep recycling and reducing rubbish in mind. You may find that as well as helping the environment you can save yourself money.

Take shopping bags with you. Many supermarkets now make a charge for providing plastic bags, so it makes sense to have strong reusable bags that you can reuse them each time you go. 

If you start to change your habits when shopping, you can have an impact on the amount of rubbish you produce in the long term. Think about what kind of recycling services are available in your area and buy products in minimal packaging, and packaging that you know you can recycle.

Reducing food waste

Do you ever worry about how much food you’re throwing away? Do you find you've cooked too much and throw away the leftovers, or throw out uneaten food that has passed its use by date? It is a big problem – not just because of the money it costs you, but because of the damage it causes to the environment. When food is sent to landfill and rots, it gives off damaging methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas.

The average UK family throws out £50 of good food and drink every month.  But it is a problem that can be easily solved. By planning your food shopping, not buying too much, managing portion sizes, storing food the correct way and making the most of your leftovers you can cut down on what you throw away.

And if despite your best efforts you do have food waste you need to throw away, compost it at home or through a council scheme if you can.

Visit: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for a host of practical advice on how to reduce your food waste and save some cash in the process.