Overlay
Sustainable living

Everyday ideas to reduce, reuse and recycle

How can I live a low-carbon life?

While it’s easy to point to our homes and travelling as potentially the largest contributors to our carbon footprints, our smaller everyday choices could also have an impact. 

Ways you could cut down on waste

We all make lifestyle choices that impact the environment, some out of habit and others out of necessity. But reducing, recycling and reusing all have a role to play in combating climate change and can show how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint.

Single use plastics

Reducing the amount of single use plastic you buy is something you’ve probably already heard about.

Even though some plastic can be recycled, it still leaves a carbon footprint, so trying to lower the amount you use is better for the environment.

Using reusable water bottles and supermarket ‘bags for life’ are two easy ways to reduce the amount of plastic we waste.

Information Message

Food waste

Cutting down the amount of food you waste is another way to lower your carbon footprint.

Emissions are created all along the food chain, from producing the food to transporting it to your plate.

So try to resist the temptation of supermarket offers and only buy what you need.

Information Message

Recycle what you can

Recycling plays an important role in reducing the emissions often associated with the manufacturing process.

Glass can be recycled into a new glass-based product, meaning there’s no need to start over again with fresh raw materials and the emissions associated with processing them.

The same goes for other day-to-day materials, such as cardboard and paper. 

Information Message

Ways to reduce household waste

Reducing household waste could help you to save money by spending less. Find out what other things you can start doing today to waste less and help the environment too.

What can I recycle at home?

It can be confusing knowing what can and can’t be recycled, with a range of different symbols used on packaging

Most local authority websites will have information about what can be recycled in your area, so have a look if you’re unsure.

Top tips to reduce and reuse

Love second-hand

Reusing is fairly similar to recycling. Every time a product is made, it produces emissions. So trying to prolong the life of the things you own and buy is one way to help the environment and save money.

This might be as simple as buying secondhand clothes or a used bicycle.  Or giving something old a new lease of life, such as painting an old chair a vibrant new colour.  

Information Message

Try before you buy

Before you even get to the point of reducing, recycling or reusing, it’s now easier than ever to look at the impact before you buy them.

Often a quick look on a company website will tell you what you need to know about their commitment to the climate and social challenges too. 

For example, creating garments from entirely recycled fabric or powering factories from renewable energy sources.  

Information Message

Check the label

Taking some time to look into what goes into making something, might just change your mind about what you choose to buy.

For example, garments made from entirely recycled fabric or powering factories from renewable energy sources. 

Information Message

Did you find this article helpful?

Great, thank you for your feedback

Looking for ways to live more sustainably?

Take a look at the everyday habits you could adopt to use the car less and make use of other forms of travel to get around. 

Can you tell us why?

Thank you

Your feedback helps us to better understand what we're doing well and where we could improve.

Thank you

Your feedback helps us to better understand what we're doing well and where we could improve.

Thank you

Your feedback helps us to better understand what we're doing well and where we could improve.

Ideas to help you save energy at home

Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, you can start saving energy – and money – with these simple tips.