Top prevention tips

 

Over 20% of all the food we buy goes to waste either because we throw it away or it spoils. Over 30% of Christmas gifts are thrown out by New Year's Day and over 70% of remaining gifts will never be used.

A lot of energy, water and non-renewable resources are used to produce most of the things we buy, including our food. Yet we buy things that we don't actually need, or that come with extras we dispose of without a thought. There are also many things we can make or grow quite easily on our own. 

Consume considerately to minimise the unnecessary use and waste of resources, significantly reduce your eco-footprint and save money. Choose not to waste by consuming only what you need! 

Minimise packaging and take-away containers. Use a shopping bag stored in your pocket, boot or bag. Refuse and minimise packaging, plastic bags and paper bags and wraps. Go for groceries and products with the least packaging. Avoid individually wrapped or one-serve items where possible. Use a mug to get take away drinks from your local café.

Go electronic. Minimise paper waste and go electronic for all your information needs and to pay bills.

Prevent food waste. On average, food (including alcohol and tobacco) makes up almost 51% of each person's total water footprint and over 25% of their total carbon footprint.

Buy only what you will eat. According to the Australia Institute, in 2004 we threw away $5.3 billion worth of food. That's almost $300 wasted per person in just one year.

Buy and eat locally produced, in-season food as much as possible. It is fresher, has travelled fewer miles and has probably required less water and energy to produce and maintain.

Buy in bulk where practical (such as favourite dry-goods and sauces) as it minimises packaging waste.

Eat less meat or go mostly vegetarian. Farming cattle is a water and greenhouse-intensive exercise.

Share or freeze leftovers, excess food and fresh produce rather than letting it spoil.

Hire or share less-used items. If you need it for occasional use only, hire or borrow it instead. There are now toy and tool libraries in many inner urban areas; ask at your local library, neighbourhood house or community centre. Consider setting up a tool-share network with neighbours; it's also a great space saver if you live in an apartment.

Maintain and repair. Proper storage, regular attention and care to your clothes, shoes, furniture, appliances, gadgets and home accessories will often keep them in great condition for most of their natural lives.

Give sustainably. Buy Christmas and birthday gifts that you know are wanted and will be used regardless of whether they are new or second-hand. Otherwise go for useful gift vouchers (subscriptions, music, linen, personal care and movie). Give potted flowers and plants instead of flower bouquets. Where possible, give locally made sustainable items. Agree as a family group to skip Christmas wrapping. Instead, go for a simple re-usable ribbon or dedicated Christmas stocking to pop unwrapped gifts in to for each individual. Exchange unwanted items at a local trash and treasure or give to charity.

On-sell and give away unused items and materials. On average, each of us has around $12,000 worth of items we no longer use, have ‘lost' somewhere or don't need. Minimise clutter and prevent waste by selling, giving to charity or recycling anything in relatively good condition that you no longer use or need so someone can get the best use out of them.

Recycle, recycle, recycle. When something comes to the end of its natural life or you cannot use it, recycle it rather than just throwing it away or destroying it. Contact local salvage yards or Council's Waste Transfer Station.