Buy Recycled

For recycling to work, there needs to be a market for the products that are made from recycled materials.  Buying recycled goods helps 'close the loop' by creating a demand for the products that are collected for recycling, reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and conserves resources.

What's available

Lots of products contain recycled materials as part of the standard manufacturing process.  These include certain types of packaging such as glass jars and steel or aluminium cans.  There are also opportunities for the consumer to choose recycled products instead of those made entirely from virgin materials such as kitchen towels and copying paper, all available from the high street.

And if you thought recycled products were a fashion mistake then think again! Customised recycled clothing, jewellery and accessories offer something unique for the fashion conscious or those looking for something a bit different for the home.

To look at a range of products made from recycled products visit RecycleNow.com

Shop Smart

To help reduce the amount of rubbish you generate, buy things with less packaging where you have the choice, use recyclable boxes rather than plastic bags to carry things home in (or take old bags and reuse them), buy bigger boxes or refills of things like washing powder and choose longer lasting goods such as energy efficient lightbulbs where you can.

Shopping Smart is not just about reducing waste, its also about reducing pollution and saving energy. If you buy your groceries from a local farmers market, farm shop or local grocer, the chances are the food you buy has only travelled a few miles to reach you. It takes much less energy and produces far less pollution transposting a load of potatoes a few miles rather than half way across the country (or world!) to a central depot, then all the way back to a local supermarket. So whatever you buy, try to buy local and do your bit for the environment.

Here's our quick check-list to Shopping Smart

• Avoid over packaging - do you need to buy items individually wrapped? Is the wrapping made from recycled materials?
• Buy local produce where possible - use farmers markets, local grocers and butchers or buy your food direct from the farmer. The less distance food travels, the less impact there is on the environment.
• Look out for recycled products - toilet rolls, tissues, bin bags and paper products are often made from recycled products.
• Buy products in returnable or recyclable packaging - buy drinks and milk in glass bottles, as plastics are difficult to recycle.
• Repair, refurbish and re-upholster - rather than buying new.
• Buy refill items where possible - washing powders, fabric conditioners, refillable cartridges and similar things.
• Choose longer life, energy-efficient and rechargeable products such as rechargeablebatteries and long life light bulbs.
• We get through 8 billion plastic bags every year - take your own reusable shopping bags to the supermarket or ask for a box, and always refuse a carrier bag if you don't need it.
• Prepare more meals at home instead of buying takeaway or convenience foods, and consider growing your own vegetables.
• For a personal touch make gifts or cards for family and friends, instead of buying them.
• Buy second-hand items instead of new ones where possible - check out the classified sections of local newspapers. and visit your local charity shops.
• Repair clothes household items and appliances rather than replacing them with new ones.