Smarter shopping
As a consumer, you can choose which products you do or don’t buy. Smarter shopping can help reduce your rubbish, save resources, and help combat climate change. It could also save you money.
What can I do?
- Choose products made from recycled materials. For more information see the Recycled Products website.
- Make a shopping list and stick to it – it may help prevent buying items you don’t need.
- Buy a water filter, and refill your bottles instead of buying bottled water. This will reduce waste and save you money. Brita filters can also be recycled afterwards.
- Don’t buy disposable items like razors, cameras and barbecues. Choose reusable ones.
- Buy high quality, lasting products. They may be more expensive initially, but you’ll save money in the long term. Repair rather than replace things.
- Choose energy efficient products like light bulbs and rechargeable products like batteries.
- Join a library instead of buying books or get second-hand books from charity shops.
- Buy in bulk – more product for less packaging. However, be careful not to buy too much food as it may end up being thrown away – wasting money and creating rubbish! For tips see our page on Food waste.
Packaging and carrier bags
See how retailers are taking action to reduce packaging on the things we buy, and what to look out for when choosing greener packaging.
Find out how to cut down on and recycle carrier bags.
Further information
For more information about rubbish and recycling, contact the Waste Management team.
