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Reduce Your Waste

This planet has limited natural resources, which we currently using at an unsustainable rate. If everyone lived and consumed as those in the UK do, we would need 2.8 Earths to sustain ourselves.

This consumption impacts nature, air quality, climate change, water, and many other parts of our natural world. As part of our Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy, we aim to move towards a Circular Economy - keeping resources in use for longer, and reducing what we waste.

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Image shows the circular economy demonstrating recycling and reuse keeps resources in use longer - therefore using fewer resources and producing less waste. 

#RememberYourReusables

  Have you downloaded the Refill App? See where you can refill your water bottle, get a discount for using your reusable coffee cup, and where you can get package free food. 

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#HertsSustainablePeriods

Have you tried reusable period products? 

Millions of single-use period products are used across the UK each week, and many brands of tampons and pads contain a high percentage of plastic! To help reduce this waste, WasteAware have created a 15% discount scheme to reduce the upfront cost of these reusable alternatives. Find out more and get your discount code at  www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/sustainable-periods 

To reduce waste, we must first Rethink and Refuse - do you need that freebie which will end up in the bin, or that 2 for 1 deal? Do you really need a new outfit? Can you Reuse, Refurbish, Repair, Repurpose, or Borrow instead? This can significantly reduce your waste without making any significant life changes or expensive - in fact, it will probably save you lots of money! If you do need something new, why not buy something pre-loved? 

Reduce

  • Try to avoid purchasing products which have packaging packaging. For example buy loose fruit and vegetables, or visit butchers/bakers/markets/refill shops where you can take your own containers.
  • Use shampoo bars, shaving bars, and soap bars instead of single use bottles.
  • Make your own cleaning products and refill a spray bottle.
  • Use a reusable bag to avoid buying plastic ones when shopping.
  • Stop using disposable or single-use items where possible such as napkins, face wipes, razors, straws, plastic cutlery, coffee cups, and bottles among others. All of these can be replaced with reusable items.
  • Use boxes with lids to store food, rather than using foil or cling film.
  • Visit the Mailing Preference Service to reduce your junk mail.
  • Fight Fast Fashion and Love Your Clothes offer advice on helping your clothes last longer, and preventing fast fashion.
  • Do you need new tools and gardening equipment which you will only use occasionally? Why not borrow and share these items within your community instead? 

Reuse

  • Buy rechargeable batteries
  • Take unwanted furniture, that is in good condition, to a furniture reuse scheme. For example 9 Lives Furniture in Rickmansworth. 
  • Take unwanted clothes and toys to charity shops.
  • Take items to the reuse centres, one of which is at Waterdale Recycling Centre in Garston.
  • Buy pre-loved items from online marketplaces.
  • Need new furniture? Why not buy it second hand and redecorate it yourself? You can save money, have it as you like, and save something from landfill!

Food waste

Did you know the average family wastes 1/5 bags of food they buy, and could save up to £700 per year by cutting food waste?

To help end food waste;

  • Keep your fridge below 5 degrees
  • Check your fridge and cupboard before going shopping
  • Plan your meals
  • It's not a bargain if it ends up in the bin - it might look like a great deal, but if it only goes to waste, it's not worth it!
  • You can freeze most foods, so if it's nearing the end of it's use by date, portion it up and freeze it!
  • Cook smaller portions if you usually have some let on your plate, and put leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal another day.

The Love Food Hate Waste campaign aims to raise awareness of the need to reduce food waste. The campaign shows that by doing some easy practical everyday things in the home we can all waste less food, which will ultimately benefit our purses and the environment too.

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