Some top tips to help you to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Reduce
§ Use re-useable bags when you are shopping. Supermarkets often have these for sale. Try and take your own bags when you go shopping. If you forget, then just get a bag in the first shop you enter and use this for all your shopping.
§ Cut down on junk mail by writing to The Mailing Preference Service, Freepost, London, W1E 7EZ. Ask them to take your name off their mailing lists.
§ Use energy saving light bulbs. These are more expensive to buy, but they last a lot longer.
§ Buy products that have less packaging.
Reuse
§ Take your unwanted clothes and ornaments to charity shops.
§ Reuse envelopes by covering the adddress with labels.
§ Invent new uses for old containers. For example, jars make good pen or DIY containers.
§ If you have a baby, consider using reusable cotton nappies. The following organisations offer a laundering service in Guildford: Cotton Bottoms 01798 875300, Eezy Peezy 01959 534207, Nifty Nappies 01420 549659.
Recycle
§ For a full list of how and where to recycle, please click on our recycling directory.
§ If your home is part of our kerbside recycling scheme, use your green and purple boxes.
§ Have a composter in your garden. You can buy these from us at a reduced price. Phone 0845 130 690.
§ A green cone will help you to recycle your food waste in your own garden. Phone 01483 445084 for more information
Buy goods that won't cost the Earth
Before you buy, ask yourself if you really need it or if you have something else
you could reuse of recycle?
Try making note pads from the blank side of unwanted junk mail, reuse envelopes by sticking a label over the old address and instead of buying room freshener make your own pot pourri from dried fruit and herbs.
Buy recycled
For more information on recycled products please visit www.recycledproducts.org.uk
The following are also good places to buy recycled or environmentally-sound goods: WWF UK www.wwf.org.uk
Natural Collection www.naturalcollection.com
The problem with plastic
Try not to use plastic items where possible, especially PVC. Plastic isn't biodegradable (it doesn't break down) and can release dangerous chemicals when burnt. PVC has also been linked to toxic carcinogenic chemicals. If you can't manage to do without plastic items then make sure you recycle them after use.
Too much packaging
Many items are sold with too much packaging. Let your retailer know how you feel about this by not buying these goods and by refusing to take plastic bags. Reuse old ones or just ask for one large bag and put all your other shopping in this one bag.
A question of sustainability
Products made from unsustainably harvested natural resources are very concerning. When buying wood products, make sure the wood is sustainably harvested by buying items carrying the FSC logo (try B&Q www.diy.com ). Be careful when buying toiletries containing rosewood, sandlewood, musk and eaglewood essence oil as they're all from endangered species.
The Fairtrade Foundation exists to ensure a better deal for disadvantaged third world producers (visit them at www.fairtrade.org.uk). By buying Fairtrade items (try www.oxfam.org.uk) you are helping these producers set up sustainable businesses, helping local environments and people.
Buying organics
This will help protect your family from the chemical residues found in some food products. Organic items are grown without petrochemical fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides and have not been genetically modified. Most supermarkets do an organic range for you to choose from.
DIY & home products
Some DIY products are very damaging to the environment and your health, so think carefully before you buy. Avoid solvent based paints, varnishes and glues. Water based products are much better. When you buy strong cleaning agents, avoid chlorine bleach. Instead choose hydrogen peroxide or bleach free products.
Save energy
Buy energy saving lightbulbs, plugs and lamps as well as energy-efficient white goods and electrical equipment (try www.diy.com and www.naturalcollection.com). Throwing away batteries can be damaging to the environment so buy rechargeable batteries.
In your garden
It is particularly important to avoid peat products. Peat is an internationally rare and declining habitat of high conservation importance. Many species depend upon it for their survival. There are plenty of peat-free alternatives. Try not to use weed killers and insect treatments that contain pesticides and toxic chemicals (especially around children and pregnant women).
For more tips on sustainabilty at home and in the garden visit our Virtual Ecohouse.