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There is a waste crisis on our planet today, with plastic everywhere we look. And it is our responsibility, as individuals, to do something about it. There will be at least a few things on this list that you can change today to make a difference to your personal waste footprint.

1. STOP BUYING STUFF

One of the biggest things you can do to reduce your waste, is to simply stop buying so much stuff. When you’re buying new things, you’re creating demand for that thing, as well as creating demand for its journey of production and the waste that comes along with it. Simply saying no to things, you don’t need, and being appreciative for what you already have is one of the biggest steps you can take to reducing your waste.

2. AVOID FOOD WRAPPED IN PLASTIC

Sadly, most food these days is wrapped in plastic. You can’t always win but do your best to seek out foods that aren’t wrapped in plastic.

3. BRING YOUR OWN BAG

When you leave the house, make sure to bring your own bag. Plastic bags need to be a thing of the past, and instead we need to all be bringing our own reusable option. Don’t be embarrassed to say no to single use plastic! (And continue to encourage your local grocer to go plastic bag free!)

4. SHOP LOCAL

Not only is it better to support the local economy, but local markets and stores often use a lot less plastic to wrap their goods.

5. BUY THINGS IN BULK

Look up online to see if there is anywhere that you can buy foods in bulk. Take your own containers, and stock up on the essentials without the extra packaging!

6. AVOID SINGLE USE ITEMS/FOODS

Try avoiding items like plastic cutlery, straws, plates, cups and single use food items like pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, dressing, yogurts etc. These things are easily replaced by reusable or multi-purpose options, simply by staying prepared and saying no.

7. GET YOUR OWN REUSABLE BOTTLE

Plastic bottles can take up to 450 years to break down, so it’s more important than ever that we stop buying plastic water bottles and bring our own reusable versions. So, if you’re new to the low-waste lifestyle, getting your own water bottle is great place to start.

8. REUSABLE CUTLERY AND STORAGE CONTAINERS

When avoiding single use items, it’s important to bring your own! Grab whatever containers you already have, throw them in your bag when you know you’re going to be eating food out that day that will potentially come in plastic (or Styrofoam) packaging, and kindly ask for them to use your container instead. These simple swaps will very quickly make a huge impact on your overall waste production.

9. SAY NO STRAWS

It can be an easy one to forget, but try practicing saying no to straws when you order a drink. As adults, we really don’t need to drink our drinks through straws. Bring your own or simply say no to avoid that extra plastic.

10. THRIFT SHOP/CHARITY SHOP

Next time you’re after a new jumper, jacket or summer dress, visit your local thrift/charity shop, or look on secondhand apps such as Depop or eBay to see what gems they have (and grab yourself a bargain!).

11. COMPOST YOUR FOOD WASTE

If you aren’t composting, then most of the weight in your rubbish bin is likely coming from food scraps. Unfortunately, when food waste goes to landfill, it can’t decay properly and therefore produces methane, a greenhouse gas. If you compost, you’re therefore reducing these emissions that are going into the environment. If you have a garden, get composting, or if not, see what other solutions there are for you.

Source: http://www.madeleineolivia.co.uk/blog/30-ways-to-reduce-your-waste