What does Reduce mean?The Waste Hierarchy ranks waste management options in order of sustainability, the first level being the most sustainable. Reduce is the first level of the Waste Hierarchy and means taking steps to lower the amount of waste produced.
Why is reducing waste a good thing to do?
Reducing your waste:
- Saves the Earth’s natural resources.
- Saves energy and reduces the risk of climate change.
- Reduces the need for landfill.
| How can i reduce waste on campus? |
Reducing the amount of waste coming on to your campus can be difficult but there are things you can do quickly and easily that should make a big difference.Paper accounts for a large proportion of the waste produced on university and college campuses, you can help to reduce paper waste by:
- Changing printer and photo copier defaults to ensure they print double sided.
- Using electronic versions of meeting agendas and minutes in place of paper copies where interactive audio visual equipment is available in meeting rooms.
- Signing up to the fax preference service to reduce the amount of unwanted mail received through fax machines.
- Checking that you are not receiving too many multiple copies of the same publications.
- Where possible use reusable cups and cutlery instead of disposables.
- Try and have broken equipment repaired rather than replaced, make use of product guarantees and warranties where appropriate.
- You may be able to reduce the amount of packaging coming on to campus by specifying a requirement for minimal packaging during procurement of goods and services.
| How can i reduce waste at home? |
There are lots of things you can do to reduce waste whether you live in campus or private accommodation.
Reduce food waste Over a third of the food we buy in Scotland is thrown directly in the bin. You can find out how to save money, safely use leftovers and manage to store food when you only have half a shelf in the freezer at the Waste Aware Love Food website.
Reduce unwanted mail Many people don’t have a problem with direct mail. However some direct mail is poorly targeted and irrelevant and is thrown straight in the bin. Visit the Waste Aware Unwanted Mail website to find out how you can reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive and benefit the environment.
Home composting Composting your organic kitchen and garden waste is a great way of reducing waste and producing compost for your garden. Discounted home compost bins are available from as little as £6 through the Waste Aware Scotland ‘Composting at home’ campaign. Visit the Home Composting section of the Waste Aware Scotland website to find out more and order a compost bin on line.
Use reusable nappies Modern real nappies are very practical and offer parents and parents-to-be an alternative to disposable nappies. Real nappies are made of lightweight, fluffy fabrics which can be machine washed and reused over and over again, while disposable nappies can only be used once. Visit the Real Nappies section of the Waste Aware Scotland website.
Sort It Visit the Waste Aware Scotland Sort It directory to find ideas for preventing waste in your local area. The directory lists thousands local and national facilities, products and services that can help you to reduce waste.
