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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE-PART 1 Print E-mail

Reduce Reuse Recycle

Did you know that each of us, on average, contributes around 3kg to waste each day?  Over a year that becomes a tonne of rubbish per person and a total of 21.5 million tonnes of waste in Australia each year! Imagine trying to bury that in your back yard... ways to minimise it would instantly become a very important priority!

So how do we do our bit?  Under the mantra “reduce, reuse and recycle”, we can all make small changes to our habits. Not only will this have a positive effect on the environment, you can also save money along the way – a good incentive in the current economic climate!

Over the next three months we will look at some simple ways to green our habits.  This month we take a look at the top 4 ways we can REDUCE our impact on the environment when shopping.

REDUCE      Reduce the amount of waste you create by shopping smarter and greener.

CHANGE IN HABIT

WAYS TO DO IT

SAVINGS?

Choose products with less packaging.

·        Loose fruit/veg over pre-packaged

·        Purchase bulk versus individually packaged items – yoghurt, sultanas, fruit salad, cereal, etc.

Yes, packaging cost is reduced or eliminated.

Carry reusable shopping bags/boxes.

·         Preferably ones made from recycled material or that are recyclable – e.g. cotton, string.

·        The “green” bags sold at supermarkets are actually still made from polypropylene – a plastic!

Yes in the long term - retailers such as Bunnings & Target are starting to charge for plastic bags. 

Since 4th May 2009 in Sth Australia, plastic bags are banned from being issued at no charge by retailers.

Buy quality goods that will last.

·        Choose goods made from timber, stainless steel, ceramic, cotton and glass over plastic.

Yes in the long term.
Buy recycled goods and save resources, raw materials and reduce waste.

·        Toilet paper, paper towel, A4 paper, and envelopes just to name a few.

Yes, prices are very competitive.

As seen in "Up to 10" Magazine, April 2009.

Sources used in this article:

(1)   http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/waste/waste_minimisation/reduce_reuse_

recycle/

(2)   http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs40.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/

1647509ef7e25faaca2568a900154b63?OpenDocument  Population clock 28th January at 11.41am Canberra Time.

(3)   www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/Info3_The_3Rs.doc

(4)   www.recyclingnearyou.com.au

(5)   www.freecycle.org

(6) www.byobags.com.au

 

 

 
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