Buying and wasting less

Changing how we live by reducing, reusing and repairing more, not just recycling, can help reduce our emissions considerably. It can also help us to declutter home spaces, encourage creativity and new skills, support local businesses and lead to cost savings.

80% footprint

In Scotland, we use on average 19.3 tonnes of resources per person per year, well above the 6-8 tonnes considered to be sustainable.

Around 80% of Scotland’s carbon footprint comes from all the goods, materials and services which we produce and use. A lot of the time, we throw these away after just one use.

recycling

Less waste is good for everyone

Buying and wasting less, saves money, reduces energy, conserves resources, and preserves the natural beauty of Scotland.

reduce waste

Reduce

The first step is reducing what we use in the first place.

Colourful vintage furniture stacked up at the front of a vintage shop

Reuse

Keep items in circulation for longer.

repair

Repair

Learn new skills, save money and protect the planet.

green glass bottles

Recycle

Recycling is still important.

Resources and links

Share and repair 

Share and repair network 

Revolve and Reuse

Revolve

Live well, waste less

Zero waste Scotland

Circular communities 

Circular communities Scotland