When Shopping

When you're out and about shopping why not follow these practical tips to reduce, reuse, recycle and become an environmentally friendly savvy shopper.

• Use the back of old paper for shopping lists and notes or if you have a smart phone download a shopping list app.
• Wasting food is thought to cost an average family with children £680 a year. Plan meals ahead to reduce food waste and save money.
• Think before you buy - do you need it? Or, can you hire or borrow it?
• When shopping, look for longer lasting, harder wearing products that are reusable, refillable or rechargeable, rather than disposable.

• Reduce your waste through buying items with less packaging. Try to cut down on packaged items. Where possible buy items loose, minimally wrapped, or wrapped in recyclable packaging, such as paper and cardboard.
• Try not to buy special offer multiple products unless you can use them. Alternatively, buy products in bulk and share with friends and family.

• Hire or borrow toys, tools, books, films etc - whenever you can.
• Start to use your local library. They can order in thousands of books, films and CDs, including new releases.
• Buy used/second hand items. You might even find a bargain. Local groups on Freegle such as Windsor & Maidenhead and Ascot are a great source.
• Before replacing cookers, refrigerators and other white goods, find out if they could be reconditioned, for another couple of years' use. Or, check if a local charity or community group could make use of the item.
• Why not try to spruce up old furniture rather than throwing it out. Is there a local furniture reuse scheme near you?

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