Food, clothes and furniture all play a part in creating significant waste and creating a large carbon footprint – but there are some simple things you can do to cut back that you might not have considered.
Love food, hate waste
Diet is a large part of our carbon footprint. Food production uses considerable resources including land, energy and water.
Take a look at the Love Food, Hate Waste website 
for simple ways to reduce food waste including:
- planning meals and making a list before you go shopping
- understanding dates on your food - 'use by date' ensures food is safe to eat and 'best before' is when it's freshest
- keeping fruit and bread in the fridge to keep it fresher for longer
- making the most of your freezer - you can freeze food up to the 'use by' date.
Meat (especially red meat such as beef and lamb) and dairy products have the largest carbon footprint so going vegetarian or vegan will have a significant impact. If this feels too big a change, why not try going meat-free for a day or two a week?
Fruit and vegetables that have arrived by air will also have a much higher carbon footprint than local and seasonal produce, or those shipped by boat.
Love your clothes
Thinking about and making changes to how you buy, use and dispose of your clothing could help to reduce your carbon, water and waste footprints - and also save you some money.
The Love Your Clothes website provides some great hints and tips on:
- making your clothes last longer
- reducing the environmental impact of washing your clothes
- what to do with your unwanted clothes
- making the most of your wardrobe.
Buying and selling pre-loved clothes is also a great way to end fashion waste – and save or make some money too. Try sites like Depop , eBay or Vinted .
Rehome your furniture
- You may have felt like a change and bought new furniture, but your old furniture could go to a new home. Selling it online could make you some money. Or you could donate it to a local charity.
- However, if your items are broken or not suitable to be reused, your local authority may offer a bulky waste collection service.
- If you have a local community furniture project, these are a great source of pre-loved furniture (and more). They usually offer items for even less if you're receiving certain benefits.