Greener shopping habits

As well as not buying more than you will use, changing your shopping choices can be better for the environment.

Shopping bags 

• Invest in strong reusable shopping bags. 
• Re-use carrier bags.
• Take advantage of store reward schemes who often give points for shoppers who reuse bags.

Product packaging 

• Buy products made from recycled materials eg tissues and bin liners - look out for the recycling symbol. 
• Buy products with recyclable packaging such as glass jars, cardboard boxes and plastic bottles. 
• Choose products with less packaging - only what's necessary to protect the product. 
• Choose refills for items like washing powder, coffee, beauty products and fabric conditioner which can be put into the original container. 
• Buy loose fruit and vegetables.
• Buy local produce at markets and shops - not only does it usually have less packaging but it will reduce the miles the product has travelled to get to you.  

 Other

• Buy non-perishable products such as pasta, rice, washing powder, shampoo and beauty products in bulk. 
• Avoid single use or disposable items, eg razors, nappies, paper plates and cups. 
• Buy rechargeable batteries. 
• Reduce your waste at Christmas
• Use online marketplaces such as Vinted, Depop or ebay for buying, selling, and exchanging new or second-hand items like clothing and accessories.

Did you know?

• Up to a quarter of the rubbish we throw away is packaging. 
• Plastic bags take around 100 years to decompose.
• You can re-use and share things for free at Freecycle