Waste Minimisation

Information on Junk Mail and how you can help

Finding ways to minimise the amount of waste produced is a cost effective way of protecting the environment. Despite the effects of recycling, the waste stream increases annually by as much as 5 percent. In the south east, space for burying this waste in landfill sites is rapidly becoming exhausted.

Waste minimisation and home composting is a pro-active response to this problem as it cuts down on the initial creation of the waste. The result is no disposal or reprocessing costs.

Organic waste makes up for 16 per cent of our waste in the Royal Borough but it can be easily made into compost. Composting also saves the need to buy expensive fertilisers and replaces peat compost, the extraction which is decimating natural habitats.

Help the environment by just thinking twice about the effects on the environment your purchase or action will have.

Why not...

Buy loose fruit and vegetables rather than over packaged varieties and choose other products packaged in material that is easy to recycle
Buy products like washing up liquid in large quantities to minimise packaging waste
Hire tapes, records and CDs from your library and video shop
Buy products made from recycled material
Reduce the amount of junk mail you receive by contacting the Mailing Preference Service at Department AM, Freepost 22, London W1E 7EZ to have your name removed from most mailing lists in the country
Buy re-useable cotton nappies and if possible use a nappy service. Real Nappy Association: 020-8299 4519
Buy wrapping paper in rolls, rather than single sheets which could mean that you use more than you need or have waste that can not be used
Use festive ribbons and bows for gifts throughout the year
Consider buying a reusable Christmas tree or arrange for your real tree to be collectedfor shredding
Pass unwanted toys and clothes to neighbours, nurseries or charities
Use a milk delivery service
Treat yourself to a refillable pen

Why not think twice before...

Buying bottled water when chilled tap water might do just as well
Using disposable products eg tissues, face wipes, razors, paper and plastic cups, plates and cutlery
Throwing away your garden waste; can you compost instead?
Using cling film and aluminium foil to wrap food. Consider using boxes with lids instead
Reaching for a plastic bag at the supermarket. Consider buying a re-usable plastic bag or take your own

Here are some useful links relevant to this topic.

The Real Nappy Association brings together Real Nappy companies, the National Association of Nappy Services, environmental groups and concerned individuals in a Campaign for Real Nappies. It provides practical support, including advice on adult incontinence, quarterly newsletter, contact with other members and discounts on nappies. For more information see www.realnappy.com

The Women's Environmental Network is a non-profit membership organisation working to educate, inform and empower women and men who care about the environment. Active local groups and a quarterly newsletter. For more information see www.wen.org.uk.

Freecycle(tm). For more information see www.freecycle.org.

If you have any other waste minimisation tips please send them to:
The Waste and Recycling Unit
The Council Offices
37 Pembroke Road
London
W8 6PW
Alternatively, you can email: streetline@rbkc.gov.uk.