Plastic carrier bags
150 million plastic carrier bags get used in the UK each week – a staggering fact in itself. But did you also realise that your plastic bag can take up to 500 years to decay in landfill?
So, the next time you’re out shopping and at the check-out, why not say no to another plastic bag to add to the mountain of old ones you’ve already got stashed away and liberate your kitchen drawers to make space for really important and useful stuff – you’ll have more space in your kitchen than you thought!
Canvas shopping bags
As a better alternative, why not use a canvas shopping bag or basket? They won’t split on you or dig into your hands when the going gets really heavy. And many supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco all offer bags for life which means that you don’t ever need to pick up another plastic carrier bag again!
Avoid packaging
Start buying your fruit and vegetables from a greengrocer or select goods that are loose rather than pre-packaged. You could even have vegetables delivered to your home.
Sustainable purchases
Try to avoid buying anything that is disposable e.g. gloves, paper towels, cleaning cloths, razors, cameras etc.
Bulk purchases
Purchase items in bulk (not individual portions) to save on packaging and you will probably find you save yourself some money as well.
Contact us
Waste and Recycling Services
London Borough of Hounslow
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Tel: 020 8583 5555
Fax: 020 8583 5134
E-mail: recycling@hounslow.gov.uk