Waste Minimisation

Waste Minimisation What is waste minimisation?

Waste minimisation involves processes and practices undertaken to reduce the amount of waste we produce.

Did you know that Australians produce on average over 10kg of waste per person per week?

The amount of waste being generated is increasing along with our growing population, and waste generation is closely linked to convenience. Today's society is based around buying items that we want and not necessarily what we need leading to people buying excessively and replacing items prematurely.

What can you do? 

Simple behaviours can be undertaken to reduce the amount of waste we generate including;

At the grocery shop

  • Plan ahead to reduce food waste. Make a list and only buy what you need.
  • Use reusable grocery bags for shopping.
  • Purchase items which come in the least amount of packaging or packaging that can be recycled.
  • Shop at farmers markets -  you’ll be supporting local whilst also getting fresher ingredients and you can bring along your own boxes, cartons, and bags. Shopping locally also helps reduce your environmental footprint as the food has not travelled as far to arrive on your plate.
  • Buy in bulk to reduce packaging.

When eating out

  • Avoid single use food and drink containers, disposable utensils, straws, and napkins by taking your own. Keep a metal straw and a set of cutlery in your car or bag at all times.
  • Take a reusable bottle/coffee cup for beverages on the go! or consider dining in.

In the home

  • Before you buy a new appliance or item of clothing, check whether it can be repaired or donated before throwing it away.
  • Grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs, to save packaging and money.
  • Compost your oganic waste. As an alternative to the green lid kerbside bin, you may consider creating your own compost heap to add nutrients to your garden and save on fertilisers. Most fruit and veggie scraps, eggshells and coffee grounds can be composted.

We all need to get into the habit of using less stuff and reducing, reusing, and refusing items to minimise waste.

 

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