Local waste prevention and recycling officers are asking people to ”shop smart” this Christmas and New Year in a bid to create less waste and save money.
December can be a time when we tend to over indulge, that’s why the Merseyside and Halton Waste Partnership have come up with ten tips to follow so local residents can slim their shopping, cut their clutter and make more of their money.
Carl Beer, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said: “At this time of year you can end up with a lot of clutter around the house and too much material ends up in landfill. By planning what you buy, making lists and shopping smarter you will create less waste, as well as saving you time and money.”
Top ten waste prevention tips:
• Before you go out shopping write a list and stick to it, as you’re less likely to make an impulsive and unnecessary buy which you may regret later on.
• Chances are someone in your house will need batteries, so buy some rechargeables which can be used over and over again. If you’ve got old batteries drop them off at a local Recycling Centre.
• If you’re buying a present for someone why not give them gift tokens, tickets to events, or vouchers, that way they’ll be able to choose what they’d like.
• When out shopping remember to bring re-usable bags with you.
• Maybe instead of sending Christmas cards, send e-cards, which will save you money and cut waste.
• Craft any Christmas cards you got last year into gift tags.
• Instead of wrapping paper, use gift bags which have got a much longer life and can be used over and over again.
• People tend to buy too much food at Christmas, so try and make a list before you head out, and freeze any leftovers so you can use them again.
• If you’ve got a home composter then add in Christmas leftovers like fruit and veg peelings. And if you haven’t got a composter, then maybe ask for one as a gift! You can get them online at www.getcomposting.com
• Remember to take full advantage of your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. There are 14 throughout Merseyside and most accept a whole host of items such as cans, cardboard, real Christmas trees, glass jars and bottles, paper, scrap metal, textiles, toys and white goods. All the Centres accept electrical items.
at this time of year but alongside that there is a great opportunity to promote a message of consuming less, creating less waste and recycling as much as we can.”
For more recycling and waste prevention tips visit www.recycleformerseysideandhalton.com.
