Reducing waste

Did you know that every week in Belfast we produce enough waste:

Much of this waste could easily be prevented, reused or even passed on to others.

Tips and hints for reducing waste

We're urging everyone to think about the waste they produce.

Use the links below to find out what you can do to help:

write a list before you go shopping so you are less likely to buy unnecessary items
don’t go shopping when you’re hungry. Research shows you're more likely to impulse buy on an empty stomach
plan your meals in advance so you know exactly what you need
always use leftovers. Try using vegetables in a stir-fry or use leftover chicken or beef in sandwiches
if you can't use leftovers up, freeze them for another time
get food storage tips, tasty recipes and portion advice from www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
measure pasta, vegetables and meat out so you don't cook too much.
buy a home composter or wormery so you can recycle vegetable peelings, teabags, egg shells and garden waste into organic fertiliser for your garden and plants.

support local charities by donating old clothes, shoes and accessories to your local charity shop
'make do and mend' - learn how to knit or sew and inject new life into your ripped or worn clothes
host a clothes swap party and share your unwanted clothes and accessories with friends.

swap old computer games with friends or trade them in at a computer game shop
think about whether you really need to upgrade electrical equipment, such as TVs and DVDs, regularly.

avoid buying over-packaged goods and opt for loose fruit and vegetables when possible
always take a reusable bag with you when shopping. Keep it in your car so you always have it handy
try not to be seduced by clever marketing, particularly at Christmas and Easter, when items are often covered in flashy packaging
buy products made from recycled materials when you can. This supports the recycled product market and conserves natural resources
beware of ‘buy one, get one free’ offers, especially if you think the spare item will end up in the bin.

reduce any unwanted mail by:
- registering with the Mailing Preference Service to stop addressed advertising mail, such as credit card applications
- contacting the Royal Mail to stop unaddressed and unsolicited marketing mail - email mediacentre.customer.service@royalmail.co.uk or visit the Direct Marketing Association (UK) Ltd website
- always indicating that you don't want your details used for future promotions or passed on to other marketing agencies.

donate leftover paint to local charities - to find your nearest scheme, visit www.communityrepaint.org.uk

the Furniture Re-use Network distributes unwanted furniture and household goods to those who need it. Check out www.frn.org.uk for more information
consider donating unwanted items to local charity shops
advertise your old furniture to others using websites like www.vskips.co.uk or www.uk.freecycle.org or www.freegive.co.uk

For more tips and advice on living a greener lifestyle, visit our being green section.