What We Buy and Waste
Shopping
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Adopt a mindset of buying only what you need, choosing high-quality and sustainable products, and repairing items instead of replacing them. Find out more about our Repair Cafés here! This reduces waste and the demand for new resources.
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Why buying loose fruit and vegetables is better for the environment.
You can buy loose produce in Selby at Coopers Grocers in Market Cross.
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Embrace a minimalist lifestyle by decluttering and reducing unnecessary possessions. Choose quality over quantity, repair items when possible, and donate or recycle items you no longer need.
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Shop secondhand at charity shops, or online marketplaces to find pre-loved items at affordable prices. Buying secondhand reduces demand for new products and extends the lifespan of existing ones.
North Yorkshire Council has guidance on how to safely buy secondhand goods online, from how to pay safely to easy visual safety checks that you can do on the item.
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Practice mindful consumption by considering the environmental and social impacts of products before purchasing. Look for eco-friendly certifications, fair trade labels, and ethically sourced materials.
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Organise or participate in community swap events where people can exchange clothing, books, toys, and other items. Swapping reduces the demand for new products and promotes reuse within the community.
Upcycling
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Extend the life of your belongings by repairing items instead of replacing them. Get involved in repair cafes, learn basic repair skills, and explore creative upcycling projects to give new life to old items.
Find out more about our Repair Cafés here.
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Get creative with do-it-yourself (DIY) and upcycling projects to repurpose old items into new treasures. Explore online tutorials and workshops to learn new skills and breathe new life into old materials. Get creative with finds at local charity shops and the Community Furniture Store.
Reusables
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Always have a reusable shopping bag with you to reduce the need for single-use plastic bags. This helps decrease plastic waste and the carbon emissions associated with producing disposable bags. Consider investing in a compact, foldable bag that can be easily carried in your purse or pocket. Since the plastic bag charge was introduced, the number of plastic bags found on British beaches has gone down 80%! This really demonstrates the impact of people having their own shopping bags.
Sass & Belle Reusable Bags: Stylish and compact reusable shopping bags.
Reusable Shopping Bags Guide: Find sustainable and recycled options.
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Using a reusable water bottle reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles, which significantly cuts down on plastic waste and the energy used in the production, transportation, and recycling of plastic bottles. Always carry a reusable water bottle and refill it wherever you go.
Refill App: Find places to refill your water bottle for free.
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Avoiding single-use plastics helps reduce pollution and lowers the demand for new plastic production, which in turn reduces carbon emissions. Start by choosing products with minimal or no plastic packaging, such as buying loose fruit and vegetables. Bring your own containers for deli items and avoid single-use plastic cutlery and straws. Make use of the Refill shop.
Plastic Free July: Offers tips and resources for reducing plastic waste.
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Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce waste. Look for brands that use compostable or biodegradable packaging materials and support initiatives for package-free shopping. By being mindful of your purchases, you can reduce waste and support sustainable businesses.
Zero Waste Packaging Solutions
Ethical Consumer: Product Guides
Recycling
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Proper recycling ensures that materials are processed efficiently and reduces the contamination of recyclable streams. This helps lower the overall carbon footprint of waste management systems. Familiarise yourself with your local recycling guidelines and make sure to clean and sort your recyclables properly.
North Yorkshire Council Recycling Information: Local guidelines for recycling in North Yorkshire.
Littering
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Taking your rubbish with you helps keep our natural environment clean and reduces the harmful effects of litter on wildlife and ecosystems. Litter can take years to decompose and often ends up in waterways, contributing to pollution and carbon emissions from waste management processes. Always bring a small bag with you to collect and dispose of your rubbish properly at home.
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Understand the environmental impact of littering and the benefits of proper waste disposal.