At the shops
Reduce
Plan a weekly menu and stick to it. In the UK on average we waste around £400 worth of food a year per person.
If you notice something in the fridge that is past its sell by date then buy less next time.
Avoid products with too much packaging. Remember convenience foods are particularly bad for this.
Buy items with little packaging and loose produce.
Invest in a reusable bag for when you go shopping. They might cost you a pound but you`ll certainly save in the long run.
Reuse
Buy reusable products - nappies, razors and cleaning clothes for example - Avoid buying anything with the word disposable in the title.
You can use old plastic carrier bags in all kinds of ways: e.g. as bin liners, as drainage systems at the bottom of plant pots and hanging baskets, as an alternative to bubble wrap, or as `poo bags` when out walking your dog.
Buy items that are refillable. This is another great way to save money.
Use and reuse cardboard boxes for the weekly shop. They don`t roll around in the boot of the car and they hold a lot more than plastic bags.
Recycle
Make the visit to the supermarket part of your recycling routine. Most of them have recycling facilities you know.
When filling your trolley think about the recycling facilities that are available to you, and then buy products in packaging that you can easily recycle.
Avoid convenience foods that have two or three layers of packaging.
Support the recycled market and buy recycled. If the shop doesn`t stock recycled products then use your consumer power and ask them to start stocking them.
If you have a question about resources or recycling please call one of the following numbers
Cumberland Council: 0300 373 3730
Westmorland & Furness Council: 0300 373 3300