All these options could save you money in the long run. At the same time, these changes in purchasing will reduce the volume and weight of waste your household generates.
- Try to buy long-lasting low energy light bulbs. Although these are more expensive than normal light bulbs in the long run they will save you money as they are less costly to run.
- Why not use re-usable washing / cleaning cloths rather than expensive tissues?
- Similarly, handkerchiefs rather than throwaway tissues may be an option.
- Try to use washable china rather than disposable crockery and cutlery at parties and barbecues. Paper plates and plastic cups are only used once before they are thrown away. You can borrow extra plates from a neighbour or friend if you don't have enough for the event and glasses can be borrowed free from certain wine merchants / supermarkets.
- When buying washing powders and other household cleaners, why not use refillable containers? This works out to be a cheaper way of buying the goods.
- Buying detergent concentrates can reduce packaging providing the appropriate quantities are used. Be careful to measure the amount stated on the pack, as a little goes a long way.
- Use razor blades or an electric razor rather than disposable razors if you wet shave. By buying packs of disposable razors you are throwing out the plastic handle and pack as well as the worn out blade.
- Find out whether your local library stocks your choice of newspaper or book as an alternative to buying the publication.
- When buying electrical goods first of all try to find out if there are any devices on the market which use alternative power sources, e.g. clockwork radios, solar calculators, manual watches. If you cannot find any, buy mains operated devices rather than battery operated devices. If you can only buy battery operated devices, try to use rechargeable rather than disposable batteries. Batteries that can be recharged will save your needing to buy new packs of expensive replaceable batteries. Batteries contain toxic / hazardous chemicals. The more you buy, the greater the impact on the environment.
- Refuse paper bags or plastic bags in shops if you don't need them.