Green Living

Each and every Australian contributes around one tonne of waste each year. Now that is huge. Our waste is a mixture of household garbage and industrial waste created by things we buy or use. Do you ever get to your bin collection day and have to try and force in the extra plastic bag of rubbish that you just gathered up in a hurry before the garbage truck rolls buy?

Some of us really need to take a good look at what we are throwing out. Have you ever gone to your refuse or local dump? Well if not you should pay it a visit sooner than later. It will open your eyes to actually see what is being dumped. The amount of refrigerators, computers, books, household appliances that we everyday just throw away.

The government say that it’s becoming more difficult and expensive to find new refuse tips for our waste. Waste disposal is a major issue for the government and the community. If we minimise waste by avoiding and reducing waste, and re-using and recycling, we can cut waste by up to 50 percent — and even more if we compost.

Reducing waste also reduces litter. Remember, everything you drop can find its way to beaches, roads, waterways, bushland and parks. Hers the thing; Reduce Avoid waste — look for ways of producing and using goods that stop waste being generated. Reduce waste — choose products that can be used productively, recycled in your area, and have minimal packaging. The most effective way is to reduce your waste before it becomes rubbish.

Lets start by keeping a few points in mind. Choose products with less packaging. Keep an eye out for the recyclable or reusable signs. Carry reusable shopping bags or boxes. Re-use plastic bags and all types of containers over and over again. Buy quality goods that will last. Reduce energy and water use Reducing your waste also means saving resources. Try switching to high-efficiency fluorescent light bulbs, using cold water for washing, and cooking efficiently.

Water can be saved by fixing leaking taps, using dual-flush toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, turning the tap off while cleaning your teeth, and using a control nozzle on your hose when washing the car are just a few ways. Re-use Donate unwanted clothing, furniture and white goods to charities.

Enquire if goods can be repaired rather than replaced. Hold a garage sale. Use rechargeable batteries rather than single-use batteries Use glass bottles and jars, plastic bags, aluminium foil and take away food containers over and over again before recycling or disposing of them. Pack the kids lunch in a reusable container rather than disposable wrappings.

Re-use envelopes and use both sides of paper. Pass on your newspaper to a friend. Recycle Recycling recovers materials used in the home or in industry for further uses. You should only recycle after you’ve tried to reduce and reuse. Recycle waste material into usable products. Separate your recyclables such as glass, plastic, paper and metal from other rubbish. Recycle your kitchen and garden scraps, which can make up almost 50 percent of your garbage, as compost. Take your recyclable waste to the landfill and dispose of them properly. These landfill places are usually open everyday and supervised for your safety. Good luck and happy recycling.