Recycling is important, but better still is reducing the waste we produce in the first place. We can each make a difference through:

  • buying smart and buying less 
  • reusing and donating products
  • repairing items
  • upcycling

Waste minimisation

Here are some ideas to help you to reduce the amount of waste you produce. You can make a positive impact on your environment and often save money too. 

  • get creative in the kitchen by using up food before it goes off and trying out a leftover food recipe
  • keep ingredients fresher for longer and check out Love Food Hate Waste’s A-Z guide to food storage 
  • reduce junk mail by registering to the Mail Preference Service and the Direct Marketing Association ‘Your Preference’ scheme, you can also find information about this on the Recycle Now website 
  • go paperless - sign up for digital bills and statements and read digital editions of newspapers and magazines
  • get in the habit of using a refillable water bottle, you can download the Refill App to to find places offering water refills in Sutton
  • buy fruit and vegetables loose and make a meal plan before you go shopping to ensure you only buy what you need
  • look out for shops like Zero Waste Sutton where you can buy vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, oils, beauty and cleaning products that are not overly-packaged 
  • refashion and upcycle your old clothes with tips and advice from Love Your Clothes
  • take a packed lunch to work - it’s cheaper, often tastier and reduces packaging waste

Feeling inspired? For lots more tips on how to become a zero waste hero, visit the London Recycles website.