Expert reveals five reasons why you should produce less waste and how to do it

Producing waste is inevitable for any household, business or individual, but it’s important to remember how everyday waste can pose a danger not only to ourselves and our health but our communities and environment as well.

Operations Director Paul Bennet from national skip hire company Reliable Skip Hire, experts on waste disposal, has compiled five key reasons why it’s important for everyone to produce less waste and five top tips on how to do it.

1. Energy Savings

The manufacturing and disposal of products generate considerable energy consumption. When less waste is produced, the same goes for the need for energy-intensive processes, such as extraction, transportation, and manufacturing. Conserving energy helps mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Economic Benefits

Collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste requires large costs for society. By reducing waste, it’s possible to reduce these costs significantly, making it possible to redirect these resources elsewhere.

3. Human Health and Well-being

Both the large amount of waste production and the possible improper disposal of it can pose risks to human health. The release of hazardous substances into the environment can create breeding grounds for diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, cholera, and typhoid, among others.

Inside the home, waste that isn’t properly disposed of can contribute to things like mould growth or pest infestations, and pose a risk to occupants.

4. Environmental Conservation

Reducing waste helps preserve the environment and protect natural resources. Waste generation contributes to pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. By producing less waste, we can minimize the negative impact on ecosystems, air quality, water sources, and biodiversity.

5. Resource Conservation

Producing waste necessarily means consuming resources. By reducing waste, we decrease the demand for many products, including some which require large amounts of energy, water, and raw materials to produce. This helps to save these resources, ensuring they will be available for future generations.

Here are five top tips for reducing the amount of waste you produce:

1. Embrace Reusable Products

Replace disposable items with reusable alternatives: use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic bags, opt for cloth napkins instead of paper ones, and choose a refillable, filtered water bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles. Reusable products significantly reduce waste generation and are often more durable and cost-effective in the long run.

2. Reduce Food Waste

Plan your meals as much as you can, make a shopping list, and buy only what you need to minimize food waste. Research how to store perishable items properly to extend their shelf life and remember to stick to it. If you have excess food you know you won’t eat, consider sharing it if it’s still good, or composting it if it’s expired, rather than throwing it away.

3. Recycle Properly

Ensure you understand your local recycling guidelines and try to separate recyclable materials from general and organic waste. Rinse containers and remove any non-recyclable components before recycling. By recycling correctly, you help conserve resources and reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills.

4. Avoid Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are among the worst enemies of the environment and large contributors to waste and pollution. Switch to sustainable alternatives such as reusable grocery bags, stainless steel or glass containers, and silicone food storage bags. Avoid purchasing products packaged in excessive plastic wrapping or containers whenever possible.

5. Composting

If possible, set up a composting system in your home or community. Composting allows organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and more, to decompose naturally and become nutrient-rich soil. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills while providing a valuable resource for gardening.