Most people out there are pretty thoughtful when it comes to household waste. But with record-breaking temperatures and increasing extreme weather events, it’s clear that everyone needs to be doing more. From food waste to packaging waste and beyond, there are many ways to reduce waste in our homes.
Reduce Food Waste
You can start reducing your food waste by planning your meals in advance and only buying what you need. You’ll avoid overbuying, which means that you won’t have to throw away anything that goes bad before you have a chance to use it.
It’s also important to store your food properly. Make sure you’re storing perishable items in the fridge or freezer to help extend their shelf life. A good tip is using labels to help you remember what’s in there and when it needs to be used. You can also try composting your food scraps.
Say No To Single-Use Plastic
Single-use plastic has been in the news a lot because it’s such a major issue. Reusable containers and carriers are a great way of steering clear of it. Invest in nifty things like water bottles, coffee cups, and grocery bags.
You can also choose products with less packaging. More and more companies and suppliers are changing their packaging approach, so reward them! You can also buy in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging you’re bringing into your home.
Repair Machines And Appliances
Repairing machines and appliances rather than throwing them away can help reduce waste and save you money. If you notice a problem with a machine or appliance, then it’s always worth seeing if it can be repaired before you throw it in the bin.
Make sure to do your research when it’s time to call in the professionals. Look for a firm that has excellent reviews and is crystal clear about what they can do for you. For example, you’re going to be pretty frantic if your mobile phone or tablet needs repair. A search for “mobile phone repairs near me” is going to throw up a lot of businesses but look for excellent customer service and a definitive schedule. Likewize Repair offers at-home repairs, and you can track their technician.
Recycle Properly
It’s time to step up your recycling game. Your local council should have a detailed breakdown of what you can recycle with them.
You should also try to clean your recyclables before popping them in the recycle bin. Rinse out jars and bottles, remove any food residue, and flatten cardboard boxes. This all makes it easier for these things to be recycled. E-waste is a major issue, so you need to take any electronics to a proper e-recycling site. Don’t just put them in the bin with everything else.
Reduce Paper Waste
It’s amazing how much paper ends still ends up in the bin even though almost everything is done online. Opt out of junk mail if you can, and tell your bank, energy suppliers and insurance providers that you want digital communication instead. Try and avoid printing things out where you can, too.
If you are someone who finds that you write things down to make sense of them, consider using a whiteboard or digital notepad to help you keep track of your to-do list and schedule.