What more can I do?

Recycling is one way you can help your environment, but it isn’t the only way. Check out the ideas below:

Reuse and Reduce!

Love Food Hate Waste

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) released a report in early 2008 indicating that a third of the food we buy ends up in the bin. We could avoid this by either eating or composting it, or not buying it in the first place- which would also save you money! For tips on reducing food waste visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com.

Stamp out that pesky junk mail

Junk mail is any unwanted mail e.g. advertising material and flyers. Take control of your mail, Junk mail isn’t something you have to live with! Here are two easy steps to reduce junk mail in your home.

1. Addressed Mail

Registering with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS). Your name will removed from up to 95% of Direct Mail Lists that are used by companies to market their products or services. You can register online at www.mpsonline.org.uk or call 0845 703 4599.

2. Unaddressed Mail

Opt out of Royal Mail deliveries of unaddressed mail. Much of the junk mail that we receive is delivered by Royal Mail regionally to every household. To opt out email optout@royalmail.com.

Reusable bags

Reuse your own bags when you go shopping! Keep your eyes open for the “ Are you Bin Smart? ” reusable bags being given away at events across Nottinghamshire!

Reduce your packaging

By reducing packaging you’re reducing rubbish! Great idea! When you’re shopping try to buy products loose with no need for packaging or choose a paper bag which you can recycle. You could shop around - visit local farmers markets or your green grocer or butcher!

Real Nappies

Where do you think all the disposable nappies go? Yes that is right, they go into landfill or are incinerated. Switching to reusable nappies, either partially or full time, will make a huge difference. There are laundry services who will wash and return your clean nappies, so you don’t have to do the dirty work! Using one cloth nappy per day means 365 less disposable nappies in a landfill in a year!!!

Your old clothes, table, mirror...

You may not want that old jacket, table or mirror but maybe a charity shop will!. To find out where your nearest charity shop is visit www.charityshops.org.uk/locator.php.

You can reuse items in many ways - be creative!

Fed up with your old clothes - why not personalise them or give them to children for costumes.

Left over jars - why not decorate it and use it as a pencil holder or even a candle holder!

Can you suggest other ways - why not get in touch and let us know!