Going shopping

Preparation:

• Write a shopping list at home so you only buy what you need (and don’t forget what you do!)
• Take your reusable shopping bags with you, if you’re likely to buy heavy items such as wine, why not keep a sturdy cardboard box in your car?

Out shopping

• Look out for larger bottles of drink or detergent instead of many smaller bottles, this is often cheaper and minimises waste.
• Try buying refills for items such as coffee jars, spice jars, fabric softener or cling film. Refills are cheaper than their fully packaged counterparts and produce less waste.
• Choosing loose fruit and veg rather than pre packaged means you only buy what you need.
• By looking out for goods made from recycled materials you can ‘close the loop’ and create markets for recycled materials.
• Make sure you check out the use by date of fresh or perishable goods, you’ll end up throwing less away and saving yourself some money too.
• At the checkout use your reusable shopping bags instead of plastic carrier bags.