As you learn more about how waste negatively impacts our environment, reducing becomes a choice of consciousness. Reducing allows you to participate on many levels as you notice all the waste being generated around you.
Society makes us feel like we always need to buy something new, but we can reduce that pressure by making smart choices in and out of the shops.
Choose products designed to last or that can be made into something new after use. When you opt for items made from recycled materials, you’re sending a message to the industry that you approve of recycling.
What Can I Reduce?
1
Packaging
Does a cucumber really need to come wrapped in a plastic tube? When you’re at the shops and not sure which item to buy, go for the one in the least amount of packaging.
2
Single-Use Plastics
Look at what you do every day and see if you can replace throwaway items with reusable ones, such as washable food and drink containers for your lunch. Eat inside the restaurant instead of using a takeaway container, and bring along a refillable water bottle when you play sports.
3
Cheap Goods That Don’t Last
It’s important to get the most out of your stuff. Buy things that are easy to repair and made to last. A lot of resources are involved in making the latest and greatest trainers, the newest iPhone or that flash surfboard, and when we use these things for just a season and then toss them aside, we are wasting valuable resources.
It’s cool to be old school! Repairing clothes is a way to Reduce… and stuff that lasts a long time is full of stories.
Did you know…
- We’re using the Earth’s resources 1.7 times faster than they are replenished.
- In 2016, Kiwis generated more e-waste per capita than Americans.
- Every year, Kiwis toss out over 122,000 tonnes of food.
