Tip 6: Look Out for Products in Reusable Containers
Once you know what you can recycle locally – glass, tin, plastic, cardboard – look out for products in these materials rather than difficult-to-recycle materials such as polystyrene.
Tip 7: Buy re-usable items
Buying re-usable items means fewer items ending up in landfill. Think about buying cotton nappies rather than disposable ones or electric/hand razors rather than disposable ones.
Tip 8: Use Your Own Shopping Bag
Avoid ending up with all those annoying plastic bags which take hundreds of years to break down, as well as blowing all around the streets, by using a strong shopping bag which will last you for years and keep your environment cleaner.
Tip 9: Check the Energy Efficiency Ratings
Look out for the energy efficiency rating (which is compulsory) of any fridges, freezers, washing machines and other white goods you buy. They are rated from A as best down to G. Less energy used means cheaper to run. Check out www.energy-efficient.co.uk for a quick guide to these ratings and what they mean.
Tip 10: Buy Recycled Products
We’re well past the worthy stage in what’s now being made from recycled materials – chairs, drinking glasses, stationery, bags and much more. Type 'recycled products' into your favourite search engine and you’ll be surprised and just how many items you can buy - or check out our Get Recycling guide
