Waste Reduction Challenge 2010
The Waste Reduction Challenge took place from Saturday 20th November until Sunday 28th November.
We identified 10 activities that would help reduce waste sent to landfill. Some were simple, and some took more effort.
You can view the challenges we set below. If you took part in the Challenge, don't forget to send your feedback form to us by December 17th at the latest!
Please let us know how you got on at the end of the Waste Reduction Challenge week. Download a feedback form, fill it in and email it to us: aunty.rubbish@gloucestershire.gov.uk by 17th December.
Why not follow us on Facebook to find out more about the challenge?
Use my Kerbside recycling scheme
Gloucestershire’s target is to recycle and compost at least 60 per cent of waste by 2020. For more details about the recycling scheme where you live click here
Take my good quality unwanted items to a charity shop
Over a million tonnes of textiles are thrown away in the UK every year. Clothes have become the fastest growing item to be binned. Clothes and bric-a-brac can be taken to a local charity shop on your high street.
For larger items, click here to see our ‘Free to a good home’ leaflet or click here.
Instead of buying a book, swap one with a friend or borrow one from the library
It will save you money too! To find your nearest library
log on to www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries
Only buy the food I need and choose less packaging
The average Gloucestershire household throws away £420 of food each year! Try and plan what food you intend to buy in advance by using a shopping list. Pick one up at one of our events.
If you are tempted by ‘buy one get one free’ offers, check the use by dates to make sure you are able to use the products before they go off.
Buy fruit and vegetables loose, rather than using a plastic bag. Try and avoid heavily packaged items. If you regularly buy ready meals for example, why not make your own during the Waste Reduction Challenge?
If you are stuck for ideas on how to use your food leftovers then visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/southwest
Sign up to paperless biling
For your gas and electricity, telephone bills, car disc tax and other bills, why not opt for paperless statements. It will help to cut down the amount of paper we use, estimated to make up a quarter of the waste in a typical household bin!
Details on how to cut down on your junk mail can be found on page 6 of the ‘Take the Waste Reduction Challenge’ booklet, download it here
To opt out of receiving Yellow Pages phone 0800 671 444
To opt out of receiving Thompson Local directories phone 01252 555 555
To opt out of receiving BT Telephone Directories phone 0800 800 150
Start home composting
Almost half the food waste for a typical household can be composted. This includes uncooked food, excluding meat and fish. Add to this garden waste, and you should have some useful compost for your garden within 9 to 12 months.
You can buy a discount compost bin by logging on to www.recycleforgloucestershire.com/composting or order by phone 0844 571 4444.
Send e-cards for Christmas
Send your friends and family season’s greetings by e-card. There is a huge variety to choose from online, and don’t forget to recycle the Christmas cards you do receive. The Woodland Trust operate such a scheme www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
Alternatively some organisations reuse Christmas Cards. Locally you can donate your cards to the Cobalt Appeal Fund for reuse. Christmas cards are accepted in January, and birthday cards are accepted all year round. Cards can be taken or sent to: Linton House, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7AS
A fantstic range of free Christmas e-cards are available on www.recyclenow.com
Make handmade gifts this Christmas
It is always much nicer to receive something which is home made. Why not make mosaics out of old plates or try rag rugging by using hessian sacking with old T-shirts. There are lots of ideas on the internet, and craft books in the library.
Ask a friend or neighbour to take part in the Waste Reduction Challenge
The more the merrier. Give each other tips and advice on how you can reduce the amount of waste you produce. Everyone can make a difference and play their part in cutting the amount of rubbish we send to our two landfill sites in Gloucestershire.
Create no waste for the landfill site during the Waste Reduction Challenge
We know it is a tall order, but it can be done! By following all of these tips, you could achieve it. For inspiration visit www.myzerowaste.com and www.therubbishdiet.blogspot.com
If you would like to get in touch, please
email: aunty.rubbish@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Or phone 01452 426654
@auntyrubbish on twitter