5 Ways to Reduce your Rubbish

Image via Wikipedia Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Its all very well as a trash minimisation mantra, but it doesn't seem to be making much of a dent in the amount of garbage we send to the landfills each year.

I think its time to add another few "re's" to the list . . .

RETHINK - rethink your consumption habits so you don't generate so much rubbish
REPAIR - get broken things fixed rather than throwing them out and buying new
REFUSE - refuse to use or buy things that generate rubbish or can't be recycled

Here's a list to help you get started reducing your contribution to the landfill:

1. Buy in Bulk
Cut down on the packaging materials by buying in bulk. Try shopping at stores where you can take your own bottles and containers to refill. Often you'll get a better deal for buying in bulk too.

2. Say NO to plastic shopping bags
Take your own reusable bags with you when you go shopping and politely refuse shopping bags!

3. Compost
Don't send organic waste to the landfill. Instead set up a compost bin for your garden. Don't have room for a compost bin? Set up a worm farm instead. Don't have a garden? Give your compost away to someone who does in exchange for a share of their veges, sell your fantastic liquid fertiliser from the worm farm, offer your super worm dirt to any takers on Freecycle . . .

4. Get Creative
Cut old sheets into strips and crochet them into floor rugs. Make sock puppets for the kids. Make fire bricks using your old newspapers. Make new clothes out of old clothes. Revitalise your old fabourite jeans with funky patches. Make beautiful mosaics using old crockery.

5. Don't choose Disposable
Look for alternatives to disposable items like nappies, sanitary napkins and razors. Buy well made products that will last rather than cheap throw away goods. It may cost more up front, but in the long run it will save you money and its better for the environment.