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Greener Shopping
While it might sound strange, even shopping has an impact on the
environment.
Carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change, are
emitted when food is transported to the UK from abroad, and in the
making and disposing of plastic bags and packaging. See below to
find out how you can become a greener shopper.
Buy local produce
Products that are grown or produced abroad have to be
transported to the UK, producing carbon emissions and contributing
to climate change. Buying products made in the UK (and if you
can, your local area) is much better for the environment. Also, the
food is likely to be fresher and contain fewer preservatives, as it
has not had to travel as far.
Say no to plastic bags
Thirteen billion plastic bags are given away each year in the UK
alone (The Guardian, Feb 2008). Producing and disposing of
them causes carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.
Also, albatrosses, turtles and dolphins have been found choked to
death on plastic bags that find their way into rivers or oceans.
Saying no to plastic bags helps us tackle climate change and look
after the planet.
Why not try:
- using a canvas bag or backpack - they are stronger too
- getting a Bag for Life and re-using it
- buying products with no or minimal packing - the majority of
packaging cannot be recycled and goes straight to land fill
Buy organic where possible
Organic vegetables and fruits have been grown in farms free from
chemicals and pesticides. Pesticides can be damaging to the
earth and waterways, and are likely be bad for your long-term
health.
Don’t over shop or over cook
The average UK household spends £420 buying and throwing
away good food.
The food waste also produces carbon dioxide and methane
gases when it rots in landfill sites, which contribute to climate
change.
On your next food shop, try not to over-buy and plan your meals
carefully. For more information and recipe ideas:
Meat Free Mondays
According to the UN, “People should consider eating less meat as
a way of combating global warming", as meat production puts
more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than transport
(2008).
Do your bit for the environment and have a meat free Monday.
Say no to bottled water
Drinking bottled instead of tap water has an impact on the
environment. Energy is required to produce plastic bottles
and dispose of them, and transporting bottled water emits
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. All of this contributes to
climate change.
Tap water is distributed through an energy efficient
infrastructure and requires no packaging. It is also among the
safest and purest drinking water in the world.
Saying no to bottled water also saves you
money! At an average of 95p per litre, bottled water
costs nearly as much as petrol (June 2006). Instead, refill a
bottle or flask with tap water.
Greener Fashion
- Mend or dye old clothes – it is less wasteful and means your
outfits last longer
- Use clothes swaps and charity shops – it reduces waste and
means you can pick up a unique outfit at a great price
- Buy sustainable fashion – some retailers specialise in clothes
made from sustainable materials.
Give or Take events
Forest Recycling hold Give or Take events across the
Borough.
Bring along any old furniture, bric-or-brac or toys that
you no longer want. Or simply visit the event and take away
anything you want for free! It helps you dispose of old items
and allows others to pick up a bargain.
Redbridge news
Find out about things that are happening in the borough.
