Ways to reduce waste

Consider rechargeable batteries, they're environmentally friendly and better value over time.

By reducing the number of books we buy, the less of a problem there will be in disposing of them later on. 

Consider using one of our libraries, who stock the latest titles as well as DVDs and CDs.

You could also consider getting an e-reader, our library service also offers an eBook library.

Buying the best quality clothes and shoes you can afford often means that they last longer, saving you money in the long run as well as reducing waste.

Looking after your clothes, and making simple repairs will save you cash as well as being good for the environment.

To prolong the life of your shoes; repair heels and soles, polish regularly, use waterproofing spray.

By altering, accessorising and combining the clothes you already own in new ways, you can revamp your wardrobe and look amazing.

For food waste reduction tips and ideas for meals made from leftovers see reducing food waste.

Where possible, try to repair broken furniture.

The Citizens Advice website has some actions you can take to reduce the amount of unwanted mail you get.

Top up loft insulation rather than remove it, unless it is damaged.

Only buy the amount you need for the job (the guidelines on the tin will help you assess this) and use it all up, to avoid leftover paint.

For help calculating the correct amount of paint, check the BBC Homes paint calculator tool.

Consider only printing what you need in hard copy. You can read the news online instead of buying a daily newspaper.

If planning your rail trip in advance, buy a digital or eticket online or use an app that means you don't need a physical ticket.

See also junk mail.

When shopping, don't accept unwanted plastic bags - take reusable bags with you.

Avoid buying bottled drinks if you can, especially when there are not outlets for recycling the packaging. Where possible use tap water and drink from a reusable container.

See single-use plastics for more information.

Consider using scrunched up newspaper, plain dry popped corn or breaking down old polystyrene packaging for posting fragile items rather than buying new packaging.

A reusable nappy is a nappy that is washed and reused multiple times. Reusable nappies come in many different styles, and modern cloth nappies are generally simple to use, easy to care for and a practical option for most families.

Using cloth nappies means that you’re not throwing any nappies away and less waste is sent to landfill sites.

You can read a guide to choosing between reusable and disposable nappies on the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) website. 

The Go Real website has an introduction to reusable nappies to help get you started.

If you don’t use tools very often, you could hire or borrow them when you need them rather than buying your own.

Look online to see if there is a local toy library in your area – they need good quality toys and games to lend to their members.

Drive or ride carefully, avoiding unnecessarily heavy braking and cornering and harsh acceleration to keep tyre wear to a minimum.

Keep tyres inflated to the correct pressure. If you store unused tyres for future use, keep them out of direct sunlight, and ensure they are not crushed as this will lead to cracking.