Make a difference when you shop

Keep a tote bag handy

There are loads of little things you can do, that over time will massively reduce the amount of waste you produce. An easy one is to always keep a reusable shopping bag on you, so that when you pop into the shops, you won’t be caught empty handed (and you'll save yourself 10p). If you have a car, keep some in the boot, then you’ll be covered for your big shops too.

Choose re-usable rather than disposable

Always try to choose reusable products rather than disposable or single-use ones. Rechargeable batteries are cheaper than disposable ones in the long run. Think about investing in a reusable water bottle – if you’re buying one single-use bottle of water a day, over a year that’s a few hundred quid and a big increase to your carbon footprint. Likewise, a reusable coffee cup is a great idea, especially as some chains give you money off drinks when you bring your own cup.

Avoid disposable cutlery – it’s nicer to eat with real knives and forks anyway! At work, keep some in your desk, and if you’re on the go, keep a set in your bag. There are lots of 'travel sets', or if you’re on a budget, wrap some cutlery in a napkin and you’re good to go.

Buy loose fruit and veg

Try and buy your veggies loose. It can be hard, as a lot of supermarket fruit and veg comes wrapped in plastic. But if you get your greens from a market (and some small shops) it's likely to be plastic free and you’ll be supporting small, local businesses.

Don’t buy - borrow

Hire tools or borrow from friends or family for odd jobs, rather than buying your own. You can also check websites like Gumtree, Gively, I Love Freegle or Freecycle to see if anyone is giving away the very tools you are looking for.

Gift memories, not things

Give the gift of an experience and lasting memories for your friends and family. Some of our favourite ideas:

• Dinner at a favourite local restaurant
• A pamper package
• Language lessons
• A dance taster class
• National Trust membership
• A Beacon Museum annual pass
• Tickets to a play

Other ideas

• Ask your favourite lunch place if you can take away food in your own container
• Buy online magazine and newspaper subscriptions
• Try out shampoo and soap bars
• Ask supermarkets if your can take home fresh produce (eg from the deli, or fish and meat counters) in your own plastic box