Reduce waste

Food production, goods manufacturing, transportation and storage all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and costs that are passed on to us all. Making careful decisions about what we buy and trying to reduce waste can have a big impact.

The cost of what we put in the bin every week is a good reason to reduce waste. Throwing out less reduces the amount of energy needed to transport and process waste. It means less landfill too, which in turn means less greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

REDUCE PACKAGING

Try to buy items with less packaging

Reuse food containers to store food instead of using cling film or foil.

55% of people in Scotland buy non-packaged fruit and vegetables.

SHOP GREENER

Choose longer-life products, for example, by checking guarantee periods or use-by dates

See what you can buy second-hand, at charity shops and online

If you can, try buying liquids and dry goods in refillable cartons that you can use again and again.

REDUCE FOOD WASTE

Plan your meals by looking at what you already have in your fridge and cupboards, then make a shopping list and stick to it

Keep fruit and vegetables in the fridge and ‘stay fresh’ bags to help them last longer.

By reducing food waste, each Scottish household could save up to £440 per year.

USE THE SHARE AND REPAIR NETWORK

If you need to get hold of things like DIY tools, kitchen utensils, or outdoor equipment, instead of buying new, look into borrowing them through the Share & Repair Network.

Choose firmer fruits and vegetables loose rather than pre-packed (it's often cheaper and reduces packaging waste).

Go for local produce. Local farms regularly deliver produce boxes.

Try to avoid buying multi-packs that have layers of packaging.

Buy liquids and dry goods, like cereals and soap powder, in bulk using refillable containers.

Use a refillable water bottle instead of bottled water.

Download music and films instead of buying CDs and DVDs.

Use both sides if you have to print documents and refill toner cartridges.

Stop junk mail – register with the Mailing Preference Service.

Buy reused or recycled products whenever possible.

Use rechargeable batteries instead of single-use ones and recycle your batteries when you're finished with them