Reduce, reuse, recycle
It is becoming very popular to recycle these days and this means that less raw materials are taken from the earth to produce things. However, all recycling processes require energy, which require burning fossil fuels. Also, items need to be transported across the country, which also has an impact on our environment.
Therefore, although it is great to recycle, we would also recommend that you think about reducing and re-using your waste. Some would argue that these were even more important than recycling. By taking some simple steps you can help yourself and the environment, for example:
Buy non-perishable goods in bulk where possible, it reduces packaging waste
Buy concentrated products and refills, like detergent and softener
Buy rechargeable batteries
Buy second hand goods
Repair broken items and damaged clothes rather than buy new ones
at the pub - buy draught beers (the casks and kegs are refilled and can last for 30 years)
Buy recycled goods made with recycled materials. Items such as tissues, plastic sacks, stationery, kitchen rolls and toilet rolls made from recycled materials are widely available from supermarkets. This will help encourage the market for waste materials and reduce the waste that comes from extracting raw materials and manufacturing processes.