Smart shopping
Are you a smart shopper?
All of our actions have an effect on the environment including shopping. Take the following steps when you shop and reduce the amount of waste you take home:
Step 1
Avoid disposable products, such as single-use cameras, razors and paper plates. Instead, buy reusable and refillable items, like rechargeable batteries.
Step 2
Buy products with little or no packaging. Choose products according to the amount of packaging they have in the following order:
- no packaging, like loose fruit and vegetables;
- packaging made of cardboard, sustainable materials or materials which can be recycled using the council’s services;
- plastic packaging only as a last resort.
Step 3
Buy reusable shopping bags to take the next time you go to the shops. Keep your bags in your handbag, glove compartment or by the front door so you don’t forget them.
Step 4
Buy in bulk. This gives you more product for the given amount of packaging.
Step 5
Buy high quality goods that will last.
Step 6
Have your milk and vegetables delivered to your door. This will reduce the amount of plastic packaging your goods are wrapped in and give you affordable, quality produce, delivered to your door.
- sign up to a vegetable box service. For a list of suppliers see the useful links opposite;
- find your local milkman: go to find your local milkman (Dairy UK); write to 'Find a milkman', 93 Baker Street, London W1U 6QQ, stating your name, address and postcode; or email these details to info@dairyuk.org.
Step 7
Give unwanted items a second chance by taking them to charity shops. To find charity shops in your area, use this charity shop locator.
Step 8
Drink tap water - its safe, it saves you money and there is no wasteful packaging or transport emissions.
Step 9
Try to repair things before throwing them away and buying new ones.
Step 10
Close the loop by buying products made out of recycled goods.
Many of these tips can save you time and money as well as reducing your impact on the environment. So be smart, and start smart shopping!
