Big issues

In 2008/09 13.8 million tonnes (50.3 per cent of total all municipal waste), went to landfill. Waste sent to landfill breaks down and emits CO2 into the atmosphere, in turn accelerating climate change.

We’re working hard to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill and are happy to report it isn’t hard to make a few small changes that in the long run will make a big difference.

Here are our top waste-reducing tips, courtesy of our in-house environmental practices experts.

1. Punish packaging - Try to buy loose or minimally packaged products.
2. Plan in advance - Before you go shopping plan your meals and make a list so that you only buy what you really need.
3. Look out for recycled and reusable products - There are great alternatives to essentials such as nappies, razors, single-use cameras and non-rechargeable batteries.
4. Get freecycling - If you no longer need an appliance, furniture or other item in your home - post it on freecycle for someone else to collect it and give it a new home or pop it into your local charity shop.
5. Bag it - Take a canvas bag or other long-life bag to carry your groceries home in.
6. Fix it - Get out the tool box or needle and thread and repair broken things before going out and simply buying a replacement item.
7. Recycle recycle recycle - Over 60 per cent of our waste can be recycled - glass, cans, textiles, plastic bottles and paper are all recyclable. Within a week your old papers could be another newspaper. Your local authority will have lots of advice and information on your local services.
8. Think before you print - If you do need to print something at home or at work, set your printer to double sided.
9. Compost - Let your kitchen peelings, egg shells, old newspaper and garden trimmings rot down to create what our gardener's call Black Gold.
10. Break your paper towel habit - Use cloths and sponges instead.