Written by Jenny Catton
If you’re trying your best to recycle, it can be frustrating when manufacturers and supermarkets insist on presenting their products in an abundance of packaging. And whilst many companies have invested in green packaging initiatives; discarded packaging still accounts for much of the rubbish sent to landfill each year. So how can you help reduce the packaging problem? Here are some ideas:
Buy products in bulk – by choosing larger sizes of products that have a long shelf-life such as dried pasta, toilet rolls, and detergents; you’ll reduce the amount of packaging used.
Bring your own container – some shops are beginning to allow customers to bring their own container to fill up certain products. Look out for shops trialling these initiatives and give them your support.
Reuse packaging where possible – consider whether packaging such as jam jars, bottles and boxes could be reused before throwing them away.
Buy local – to keep costs low, many local producers provide their products with as little packaging as possible. By choosing their products, you’ll not only be cutting down on packaging but will also help support local producers.
Buy second-hand – check your local charity shops before buying new, especially for products that are usually heavily packaged such as children’s games and toys.
Choose the products with the least packaging – whenever you have a choice at the supermarket, choose the product with the least packaging. When manufacturers realise that consumers are demanding less packaging, they’ll look at ways to cut the waste.
For recycling advice and inspiration visit: www.wrap.org.uk
