You can become a smart shopper just by carrying out a number of simple, easy to do actions. In becoming more environmentally aware, you could save money too!
Smart shopping suggestions:
- Say “no” to single use plastic carrier bags. Take your own reusable bags when you go shopping. It doesn't matter what type of bag you reuse; a 'bag for life', a cotton bag, or just an ordinary plastic carrier bag, as long as you take a bag with you. Some shops now charge for plastic carrier bags, so it could also save you money.
- Make the most out of the food you buy and save money. The average household in the UK could save up to £50 per month by wasting less food. Visit our dedicated north London Love Food Hate Waste website for tips on how to reduce your food waste. You will also find some fantastic recipe ideas from north London residents.
- Buy refillable products such as washing detergents, coffee, hand wash and refillable drinking bottles; this will help to reduce the amount of rubbish you produce and is usually cheaper too.
- Try to store food in reusable containers instead of using cling film, as this cannot be recycled.
- Avoid excess packaging such as ready meals, plastic wrapped fruit and vegetables, individually wrapped biscuits etc. Packaging costs money and can increase the price of goods. Wherever possible, look for unpackaged products like loose fruit and vegetables and buy products packaged in recyclable material.
- Avoid disposable items that are used once and then thrown away. There are alternative products which can be reused, for example rechargeable batteries, razors (where the head can be replaced rather than the whole item) and low energy light bulbs. Whenever you can afford to do so, choose higher quality items that are likely to last longer and keep them well-maintained to increase the product lifetime.
- Use reusable towels, rags, and sponges for cleaning and dusting. Keep a large enough supply of rags and wash cloths so you will always have some clean ones. You can use old bed sheets and curtains, but even if you need to buy a supply of small towels and wash cloths to get started, the initial cost will be quickly offset by your reduced need to buy disposable substitutes, and you might find they work better than throw-away alternatives.