We all want to reduce our carbon footprint a little – especially since the London assembly has declared a climate emergency. This means, to help do our bit, it’s important that both Londoners and everyone else across the UK do their bit to recycle more. The only problem is, just how can we make recycling a daily habit? Well, to help you get started, here at kwik sweep www.kwiksweep.co.uk are a few tips for everyone new to the idea of recycling:
Start Small
source: cleanipedia.com
Many of us, when we start looking to recycle, try to do too much too soon. This means we often start trying to recycle every little bit of rubbish we have – even if it’s not actually recyclable! Instead, look to recycle one item every day, whether that be a glass jar from cooking or a plastic drinking bottle.
You’ll soon find that your recycling adds up – especially if everyone in London did the same! – and you’ll start recycling items automatically.
Make Positive Changes
source: pebblemag.com
How many of us in London start our day with a coffee from your local coffee shop? Well, when you get that coffee in a takeaway cup, you’re using something that cannot be recycled in normal household waste (although some chains of coffee shops will let you return your cup for recycling).
Instead, make a positive change by purchasing a reusable coffee cup. Not only will you be helping to save the planet, but most coffee shops also offer discounts to those using these reusable cups. You could also change to using refillable bottles for water as well.
Try Your Hand at Upcycling
source: techrepublic.com
When you hear the word upcycling, many of us dismiss it as some new hipster trend. However, upcycling is both good for the planet and our bank balances. So, where can you start with upcycling? Well, rather than sending that old table or sideboard to the skip because it no longer fits in with your color scheme, why not instead give it a paint? You’ll be amazed at how much you can transform old furniture at liveenhanced with some chalk paint or decoupage.
The same goes for buying furniture. Before you head to Ikea or somewhere similar, check out charity shops or Gumtree for people selling second-hand furniture cheaply. As, even if something is a little shabby, try imagining what it could look like with a lick of paint and some new door handles. You’ll soon not only be saving yourself money and helping save useable items from landfills, but you might just have your friends and family jealous of your gorgeous furniture too!
Consider Using a Zero Waste Shop
source: anglerfishjewelry.com
Often, we buy household items and food without considering how much packaging comes with it. This means, when it comes to something like a packet of pasta, you’re left with the plastic packaging that needs recycling. What if, instead, you could take a container to your local shop and get the exact amount of pasta you like without any of the plastic. Well, with lots of zero waste shops here in London, you can! Before starting to shop, head over to one of these shops and see what’s available. From there, you’ll be able to see if you need to source containers (or whether they sell these) and what items you can stop purchasing in supermarkets.
Remember, the key to recycling is to start small and research what can and cannot be recycled. Just think, if everyone in London made just a few small changes, this would easily add up to a major change for the city – so every little helps!
