Reducing Packaging

• Reduce packaging - through buying food from traditional markets, weigh & save type shops, farm shops, organic box schemes, bulk buying schemes and other smaller shops. Also, re-use the plastic bags from supermarkets that are used for loose fruit and vegetables
• Farmers’ Markets are an excellent means of reducing packaging and there is the added environmental bonus that the produce is local. There will be a market in Bournemouth Square every 3rd Saturday in the month, starting from February. There is a market every Thursday in Poole, (Falkland Square) and a market every 1st Friday in Christchurch (Saxon Square). Also Canford Cliffs will have a market in the village hall on every 4th Saturday, starting from February, and Wimborne has a market every Friday
• S.N.U.B – Say no to unnecessary bags! Re-use carrier bags or use strong bags/baskets etc. You could also use the plastic “bag for life” bags, available at most supermarkets
• Buy non-perishable goods in large containers where possible. It reduces packaging waste
• Buy concentrated products and refills where possible
• Use the milkman for deliveries of milk, fruit juice and soft drinks. The bottles are refilled many times. Some local dairies are Pearce’s Dairy 01202 427408 (Southbourne) & Dairy Crest 01202 724724
• The Body Shop will take back their own empty bottles for re-use. There are Body Shop stores in Bournemouth and Poole
• Solid shampoo avoids plastic waste. You can buy this from Lush stores via mail order. 01202 668545 www.lush.co.uk
• Try to buy unpackaged soaps
• “Pick-Your-Own” fruit farms - provide the opportunity to get fresh produce with minimal packaging.
  

Reducing Waste Paper

• Stop junk mail – Contact the Mailing Preference Service asking to have your name removed from mailing lists 0845 7034599 www.mpsonline.org.uk
• Stop unaddressed mail – Phone 08457 950 950 and request that unaddressed mail is not delivered to your property
• Stop unwanted free newspapers – Phone the companies concerned. A discreet notice on your door refusing circulars, free newspapers etc. will help
• Reduce paper associated with bills. Pay them by direct debit and ask for bank statements less frequently
• Use e-mail or the phone in preference to letters and faxes wherever possible
• Use both sides of a piece of paper before recycling.