Top tips for a greener summer

We all look forward to a summer holiday, a chance to get away from home and a break from your working life. But you don’t need to take a break from being green.

Council Leader Ali Thomas OBE, said “We are urging all our residents to go green this summer by reducing, reusing and recycling as much of their waste as they can.”

“It’s not just about recycling at home, lots can be done when you’re out and about too; everyone can cut down on waste and recycle wherever you are.”

• If you’re having a BBQ, save money by investing in a reusable barbecue. Disposable versions create waste and will cost you more in the long run. Alternatively many parks and beaches have permanent BBQ sites, so just bring the charcoal.

• If you’re planning a picnic, consider preparing all the food beforehand and choose loose fruit and vegetables and always store your food in re-usable containers thus avoiding wasteful cling film and tin foil or shop bought food with excessive packaging.

• Sorting out your clothes for your holidays doesn’t have to mean a trip to the recycling centre. Why not hold a swishing party (http://swishing.com). The concept of swishing is simple! Get a group of your friends together, brief everyone to bring a selection of clothing they no longer want and get swapping!  Not only does it make for a great evening in, it’s the cheapest shopping spree you’ll ever take part in! Alternatively take your old clothes to a charity shop, or sell them online or at a car boot sale.

• Going on holiday inevitably means visiting a beach. Some beaches don’t have recycling bins, so remember to take home any rubbish with you and recycle at your nearest recycling point.

• Take a refillable plastic bottle with you so you can refill with fresh tap water rather than buying new. This will save you money and cut down on waste.

• Go local. Why not book your holiday nearby. You’ll be amazed about how many local places nearby never visited. It’ll save you money on transport and it’s kinder to the environment.

• When having a picnic or BBQ, prepare the right amount of food using the portion planner, this will avoid unnecessary waste and save you money: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/perfect_portions

• Save money and don’t opt for pre-prepared salads! Why not make your own and put it in a reusable container to keep it fresh. Your own salad always tastes better too!

• Love your barbecue and picnic leftovers! Left over bread rolls can be frozen, salads and pastas can be stored in the fridge for another occasion and barbecued meats taste great in sandwiches and rolls the next day as long as you refrigerate it overnight. Lots more food tips can be found on http://wales.lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes

Andrew Osborne from Recycle for Wales said “you can still be green when you’re on your holidays if you follow our top tips. Don’t forget, if you’re in a foreign country or elsewhere in the UK, different recycling systems will be in place meaning some items can’t be recycled. Take some time to check up before you leave.”