Recycling can quickly become part of the everyday routine when you follow this quick guide to recycling in the home...
The first thing to remember when it comes to recycling is that not everything can be recycled and it is therefore important to consider how you are able to reduce and reuse everyday items too. Follow the RecyclingGuide.org philosophy of reduce, reuse and recycle for an efficient and environmentally friendly home.
Reduce
• Reducing packaging and food waste starts with your weekly shopping list. By planning ahead and only buying what you really need, you'll notice a big difference to how much longer it takes to fill up your kitchen bin!
• Buy food and drink in packaging which can be reused, such as bottles and lidded pots, and choose items with as little packaging as possible.
• Remember to carry a stock of reusable carrier bags in your handbag or car boot at all times so you’re never caught without them.
Reuse
• There are many things that can be reused rather than thrown away. Everything from scrap paper, which can be used to write notes and telephone messages on, to lidded yoghurt pots which can be used to store leftovers, and jam jars which can be used to store small items of stationery such as paper clips.
• If you forget your reusable carrier bags, make sure you reuse any plastic bags you get; they make great bathroom bin liners and wet welly boot bags!
• Take your unwanted clothes and shoes to the charity shop or if you’re feeling creative, why not customise them and reuse them for yourself?
• And finally, build a compost bin and use all your vegetable peelings and eggs shells as great nutrition for your house or garden plants.
Recycle
• Try and buy products packaged in recycled materials and remember to recycle them when they’re finished!
• Most local authorities provide separate wheelie bins for your recyclable waste, so if you haven’t already, why not set up a recycling scheme in the kitchen, with different bins for plastics, glass, paper and compostable leftovers? Doing so will ensure that recycling quickly becomes a way of life for you and your family.
• Make use of local recycling facilities which can usually be found at supermarkets, leisure centres and in schools.
Introduce two or three of these changes in your home and do your bit to reduce your carbon footprint.
Find out how we’re putting our ethics into action and reducing waste at The Co-operative.