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How you can help

There are a number of simple steps that we can all take to help reduce waste.

Choose products with the least packaging or with recyclable packaging
Think about whether it is necessary to buy food in pre-packaged containers
Say NO to over-packaging, double wrapping or to excess bags
Say no to plastic bags - keep plastic or cloth bags in the car.
Buy in bulk or products that are in concentrated form to reduce packaging
Buy products that have the ‘Environmental Choice’ label
Write to mail order companies to get yourself off any unwanted mailing lists
Put a ’NO JUNK MAIL’ sticker on your letter box
Write to manufacturers who over package their products to encourage them to stop.

Only buy what you need - less is best
Use environmentally friendly substitutes like vinegar and baking soda for cleaning (1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 pint of water for cleaning windows)
Use rechargeable batteries
Buy recycled oil - ask about oil recycling at your local garage

Reuse scrap paper and envelopes - (Greenpeace or Trade Aid stores stock envelope reuse labels)
Use recyclable containers instead of plastic wrap for freezing food
Use lunchboxes, paper wrap or paper bags for lunches. Paper wrap/ bags can be composted after use.
Buy products that are designed to be used more (eg. coffee cup or cloth napkins)
Buy high quality long lasting products that can be repaired, rather than cheap disposable ones
Reuse plastic bags

Compost yard waste and vegetable scraps – (To see how go to www.reducerubbish.govt.nz/compost/composting-101.html)
Store and dispose of hazardous household cleaners carefully – (Contact your local council to find out how or if you are in Auckland region see http://www.hazmobile.govt.nz/)
Separate your waste and recycle paper, plastic, cans and glass – (To find local recycling services go to www.reducerubbish.govt.nz)
Buy products that are recyclable or made from a recycled material – (Go to the Buy it Back Guide on this site)
Sell or donate items such as clothing, household goods, furniture, left over paint to second hand shops, garage sales, school fairs, community groups, schools/ crèches/ kindergartens instead of throwing them out
Borrow, rent or share items - like magazines and newspapers - with friends and neighbours

Asking whether your company has an environmental policy
Start up an environmental programme such as a recycling system - check with your local council for recycling collection facilities in your area. Help your company improve its’ environmental performance as well as save money.
Reuse any scrap paper or old envelopes for writing notes
Keep a box by each desk and photocopier to collect used paper - you can store more by keeping it flat rather than screwing it up
Reduce the amount of paper you use by sending documents electronically, store/ retrieve information on your computer file and if you have to print, do so on a double-sided printer.
Use refillable pens
Bring your own mug and ask the canteen if they can use reusable cutlery and crockery rather than paper or Styrofoam cups. Coffee tastes much better from a real mug!
Set up a worm farm to compost food scraps.

(Thanks to Waitakere City Council for the use of their "Ways to Save the Planet" brochure and MfE’s Reduce Your Rubbish Campaign www.reducerubbish.govt.nz )