The first thing you can do to reduce litter and waste is to take responsibility for your actions. The effects of litter and waste can be reduced if we work together, create imaginative solutions and spread the word. The following are a few ideas to help you and your school reduce your effect on the environment;
Reduce
Always ask whether you really NEED the product before you buy
Use waste paper for art or as scrap paper
Make sure you use the double sided facility on the photocopier
Always buy reusable containers, batteries and energy saving bulbs
Use a reusable box for your lunch instead of cling film or tin foil
Buy products that are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again or composted
Buy products that have less packaging and highlight the issue to suppliers
Say NO to plastic bags, use reusable bags instead
Contact your Local Authority to find out about composting in your area
Reuse
Use old bottles, jars and containers for storage or for use in art class
Use refill packs of detergents
Re-use plastic drinks bottles for your lunch instead of cartons or cans
Use lunch boxes instead of tinfoil or cling film for your lunches
Leave a box for scrap paper beside the photocopy machine
Use re-usable bags when you go shopping
Swap clothes, books, video games and music with friends instead of throwing them away
Give old clothes to charity shops - someone might need them
Avoid buying disposable products i.e. cameras
Always get machines regularly serviced to ensure long life
Reuse school books and workbooks
Recycle
Find out from your Local Authority where the nearest recycling centre is
Check out what you can recycle i.e. plastic, cans, paper, card, clothes
Always rinse out bottles, tins and cartons before recycling
Hazardous materials (oil, paint or batteries) should all be recycled
Aim to buy products that are recycled
Set up a school recycling project to reduce your waste mountain