Waste Checklist
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We know that some of these actions may be difficult with the current COVID-19 restrictions, see * for impacted actions
- Easy Use a keep cup for your daily coffee. If you forget your cup, make the time to drink your coffee at the cafe*
- Take a reusable water bottle when you go out Learn more
- Use reusable shopping bags Learn more
- Take home-made snacks/sandwiches/meals when you are on the go to reduce the need to buy plastic-wrapped items
- Use waxed cloths to keep food fresh
- If you drive to the shops, keep reusable shopping bags in the car and remember to take them with you!
- Bring your own container when getting take-away meals* Learn more
- Use your own reusable fruit/vegetable bags or shop at a store that provides them
- Say no to straws Learn more
- Avoid coffee pods, or use reusable pods Learn more
- Avoid teabags (especially those that contain plastic) and use loose-leaf tea Learn more
- Buy the 'imperfect' produce
- Use shampoo bars rather than shampoo in plastic bottles
- Swap to rechargable batteries
- Pick up rubbish on the beach, or anywhere, when you see it * (Make sure you wear gloves and wash hands) Learn more
- Reuse wrapping paper and packaging
- Dine in rather than take away*
- Use towels, sheets, clothes etc to pack fragile items when moving (as opposed to bubble wrap) etc.
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Moderate
- Buy products with no/minimal packaging
- Buy coffee from a Responsible Cafe Learn more
- Give gifts that are reusable and have no plastic packaging and minimal other packaging
- Cook from scratch and reduce packaging Learn more
- Make up a system that suits you to remember your reusable coffee cup and waterbottle so you've always got it with you
- Stockpile plastic wrapping/bags/clingwrap and recycle in the RED Cycle bin at majr supermarkets
- Ask your favourite cafes/restaurants/food shops to become a trashless takeaway outlet* Learn more
- Buy items made from recyclable materials
- Mend and repair things rather than throwing away Learn more
- Use brown paper bags and greaseproof paper to wrap sandwiches (if you don't have beeswax wraps) rather than plastic
- Reuse or repurpose things you already have rather than buying new
- Go paperless
- Before you buy a new item, ask yourself "do I need it?"
- Shop for second hand clothes and household goods before purchasing new items
- Find a drycleaner (if you really need to use one) that offers reusable garment bags and return the hangers if you do not need them
- Recycle clothes and textiles that cannot be sold or donated so it doesn't go to landfill Learn more
- Borrow or rent items that you only need occasionally
- Find a hairdresser that is part of the Sustainable Salons Australia program Learn more
- If you have a business, conduct a Bin Trim review Learn more
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Difficult
- Be a recycling afficianado Learn more
- Compost your food scraps Learn more
- Start a worm farm Learn more
- Buy from companies that reduce waste throughout their supply chain Learn more
- Avoid buying items that cannot be reused or recycled