- Don't buy things that you don't really need – on average we throw away a third of all the food we buy. Write a shopping list and stick to it
- When you do buy things, choose things that are well made and that will last
- Buy food with less packaging or that is less manufactured
- Where possible buy locally produced goods that have not had to travel so far to you – this will reduce your carbon footprint
- Use reusable bottles or flasks for drinks and airtight containers for snacks and packed lunches instead of disposable wrappers
- If possible don’t use disposable versions of everyday items such as cameras, paper tissues and plastic cutlery
- Take your own bags when they go shopping to reduce the number of carrier bags you use
- Photocopy and print on both sides of the paper and always think before printing a document if you really need to
- If you don't want to receive any junk mail, you can write to the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) . You can use this free service to stop being sent mail you have not asked for. Click here or call 0845 703 4599
- Whenever possible buy household products in bulk or in concentrated form
- When you buy electrical equipment, especially computers, check to see if they can be upgraded rather than just thrown away
- Use rechargeable batteries
- Make gifts or cards for family and friends, instead of buying them
- Grow your own vegetables and flowers
- Consider switching from disposable nappies to reusable cloth nappies. Click here to find out about the Council’s incentive scheme for real nappy users
The last thing that should cross your mind is to throw it in the bin!