We all want to do our bit for the planet, but with a lot of conflicting advice out there it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Everyone knows that recycling and generally reducing our waste is one of the first steps, and living a greener lifestyle doesn’t have to involve moving to a forest or foraging for food. There are plenty of simple things you can do to cut down on excess waste at home, so if you’re looking to start living more sustainably, read on for what you can do to help.
Composting is not as complicated as you might think, and you don’t even need a garden nowadays to do your bit. Leftover food and organic waste can be kept in a food bin in your kitchen and then collected at the same time as the rest of your recycling. If you do have a garden you could keep a larger compost bin outside, and use the compost as a rich fertilizer for your soil.
Plastic is one of the biggest modern threats to the environment, and more and more people are choosing eco-friendly plastic alternatives for their homes. Invest in a reusable water bottle and glass jars to store dry food goods; many health food shops offer loose items like pasta and rice which can be weighed and taken home in your own containers without the need for plastic packaging.
This can be fun as well as good for the environment, and many things can be made with just a few simple ingredients like coconut oil or bicarbonate of soda. If you’re feeling ambitious you can make almost anything from moisturiser, to toothpaste or deodorant from natural ingredients - and it removes the need for plastic packaging too.
Planning meals for the week and buying in bulk can save you money and cut down on packaging or food waste. Items like coffee, rice, pasta and cleaning products can all be bought in supersize containers, and you could cook big batch meals and take lunches into work to save on shop bought sandwich packaging.
You can probably recycle a lot more than you might think, so re-check the regulations in your area if you haven’t done so for a while. Most people know about recycling paper, plastic and glass, but in the UK you can also recycle ink cartridges, old electronics, clothes, shoes and foil trays. If in doubt, check with your local council.
If you’re looking for professional, reliable recycling services to help manage your household or business waste, get in touch with Graham Churchill Plant Ltd. We have over 50 years of experience providing domestic and commercial recycling services, and we’re committed to ensuring all recycling is carried out in an environmentally friendly way. For more information, give us a call or visit our website.