In case you missed Recycle Week, we’re here to raise awareness about the staggering amount of waste our country generates each year and the significant impact it has on the environment. By understanding the scale of the problem, we can all take steps to reduce waste and adopt greener practices to protect our planet. So, we’re dedicating this blog to sharing easy and effective ways you can rescue your waste from ending up in landfill.
1. Buy Second Hand Clothes
With the ongoing trends in fast-fashion, consumers are being encouraged to buy more and more frequently, leading to a cycle of overconsumption that has a devastating impact on our environment. The equivalent of one rubbish truck full of clothes is burned or dumped into landfill every second.
Opting for second-hand clothing is one of the easiest ways to shop sustainably. It helps reduce the demand for new garments and prevents unwanted clothes from ending up in landfill by giving them a second life. Local charity shops offer a variety of preloved clothes that are not only sustainable but also budget-friendly. Little Lives UK have three charity shops across London, open every day, offering a range of high-quality brands at affordable prices. If you’re looking to get rid of clothes, our charity offers a free weekly collection service in Bournemouth and London. There are also online platforms for second hand clothes including Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace. They all offer a quick and easy service to buy and sell clothes.
2. Reduce Plastic Use
Plastic is made from fossil fuels, and its production, manufacturing and handling are having a severe environmental impact. A recent report revealed that UK household’s product over 26 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. By reducing your use of plastic, you decrease the demand for these polluting resources and help prevent plastic from ending up in landfills and our oceans.
Here are some easy tips to reduce your plastic use:
• Use reusable items such as shopping bags, coffee cups, water bottles and lunchbox containers.
• Avoid single-use plastic such as plastic straws and cutlery.
• Buy in bulk products as it has less packaged products.
• Use recyclable packaging products (such as cardboard or paper) when you can.
3. Recycle Electronics
The UK generates over 1.6 million tonnes of electronic waste every year. This shocking amount is one the fastest-growing waste streams in the country.
At Little Lives UK, we’ve created a solution to address this issue through our Technology Programme. You can donate your unwanted electronic devices, which we’ll refurbish and donate to schools and local organisations in need. This way, we can provide essential technology to children while reducing electronic waste.
4. Minimise Food Waste
In the UK, more than 10 million tonnes of food are wasted every year, with 70% coming from households. When food is thrown away, it rots in landfills and releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25% more potent than carbon dioxide.
Here are a few simple ways you can reduce your food waste:
• Plan your meals – this will help you buy exactly what you need each week and reduces the risk of impulse purchases.
• Use your freezer – you can preserve food for a later date and repurpose cooked food.
• Donate excessive food – you can donate to a local food bank or offer it to the public through an app called Olio.
5. Donate Old Car to Charity
Each year, the UK generates millions of tonnes of car waste, with an average of around 1.4 million cars being scrapped. Fortunately, 95% of an end-of-life car is recycled, but if you can also make a positive impact on your local community as well as the planet by donating your old car to charity.
At Little Lives UK, we’ve partnered with Charles Trent, the largest recycling company in Europe, to offer a simple and hassle-free way to recycle your old car. Charles Trent recycles over 95% of each car by dismantling it for salvageable parts, significantly reducing waste. This partnership helps us raise funds while promoting environmental conscious practices.
6. Spread the Word
It’s just as important to discuss these issues as it is to take action. By continually educating yourself and raising awareness, you can inspire and empower others to join the movement for positive change. Engaging in conversations about sustainability and waste reduction can create a ripple effect, encouraging more people to take responsibility for their impact on the environment.
Learn more about our charity campaign, ‘Someone To Talk To’. We offer free one-on-one therapy sessions to support children who may be struggling with their mental health.
References
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/a-new-textiles-economy
https://pod-point.com/guides/6-practical-tips-for-an-eco-friendly-lifestyle
https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate-change/responsible-travel
https://www.asdc.org.in/blogs/carpooling-benefits-saving-money-and-reducing-your-carbon-footprint#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20carpooling%20offers%20a,contributing%20to%20a%20greener%20planet
https://www.recyclingbins.co.uk/pages/recycling-facts?srsltid=AfmBOooo05bcJoEPqtqSMP4Nw1QDiS3ZyWD_Jf08sxlz9ZXVyxYiQsol
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/recycling-home/15-top-tips-help-you-reduce-your-single-use-plastic-waste
https://www.dover.gov.uk/Recycling–Waste/Recycling/What-Happens-Next/Cars/Home.aspx#:~:text=In%20the%20UK%20about%202.2,surrender%20your%20vehicle%20for%20recycling
