Reducing Waste
A little bit of thought about waste and how you dispose of it can make a big difference.
Reducing waste can:
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Save you money
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Create jobs
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Keep people safe
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Improve the environment.
Why do we waste so much?
Single use packaging
Designed to catch our eye and make us buy more
Items not built to last
How often do you replace your phone, electronic devices, clothes, furniture?
Choosing easy options
Buying take away food when we have a full fridge because we're too busy to cook
Buying things to make us feel good
Like new clothes or a toy to keep the kids quiet
Not knowing what else to do
Many things we throw away can be useful to others or recycled, but how?
What can you do?
Ask "Why?" before you buy
Why do I want to buy this?
Can I use something I already have?
Can I ….
- Rent (tools, clothes, partiy supplies)
- Borrow or swap (books, clothes, tools)
- Buy second-hand or sell (online or thrift shops)
- Repair or reuse (lots of information online)
Reduce waste by ...
- Donating to charitable organisations
- Visit givit.org.au, an organisation which helps match items with people who need them
- Buying local to save on packaging and transport
- Buying in bulk to save money and packaging
Choose to reuse
Single use items waste energy, materials and water and can end up as hard-to-manage litter
Choose reusable items:
- Water bottles
- Lunch boxes
- Reusable bags
- Coffee cups
Tips for the bathroom and laundry
- Bicarbonate of soda & vinegar for cleaning
- Cloth nappies
- Solid soaps & personal care products
- Refills
- Reusable menstrual products
How to reduce waste - Your handy guide
This guide has been produced to help residents make choices that will improve their world as well as the environment by avoiding waste and maximising opportunities to reuse and recycle while saving money.