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Excess packaging has been a long-term problem, with a quarter of all domestic waste being made up of packaging. These figures have been staggering in recent years, and it’s inspiring the country to get behind enforcing a packaging detox that will not only help to reduce our carbon footprint but will also save us money in the long run. The more packaging used means products cost more, so reducing the excess packaging will enable manufacturers to cut costs as well as lowering prices for consumers. Read on to discover our top five tips on how you can do your bit to reduce excess packaging.

Shredded cardboard box with reuse reduce.

1 – Recycle

One of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of packaging that goes into the landfill sites is to recycle. It’s a word that we hear on a daily basis and once in a routine, will become second nature.  Most of the packaging we see is recyclable and needs to be separated and sorted. While this can be somewhat time-consuming, a concerted effort to recycle will serve to drastically reduce our waste by a vast amount.

2 – Buy In Larger Quantities

Sometimes it isn’t convenient to buy products in bulk. However, buying in larger quantities where possible will help to reduce the amount of packaging we have in our homes. Not only will buying in bulk lessen the amount of excess packaging, but it will also reduce the cost of the products than if they were purchased in smaller quantities. It is important to check best before dates if this applies, as you don’t want to increase product wastage.

3 – Call Out Companies Using Excess Packaging

As a nation, we are shopping online more and more. It isn’t common to find a book you order from Amazon to come in a cardboard box large enough to fit ten, surrounded by inflated plastic pockets which aren’t necessary. Calling companies out who use excess packaging is a great way to draw attention to this issue; if you don’t let them know, then they are unlikely to make a change. Unless a product is fragile, there is no need to use more packaging for extra protection. Online supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda now give you the option to go plastic bag free when having your groceries delivered, saving you money while also reducing the number of plastic bags in your home. Sustainability is important, and consumers are taking preference to sustainable products.

4 – Grow Your Own Produce

If you can, why not grow your own food? Not only will you be assured that the products you’re getting are fresh, but you’ll also eliminate packaging. The growing, transportation, packaging, and retailing of food accounts for 30 per cent of the UK’s carbon footprint. Whilst also helping to reduce the amount of packaging, you’d also be helping to reduce the carbon footprint, just by having your own vegetable patch or greenhouse.

5 – Prolong the life of your food produce

To reduce the amount of food packaging in your home, you should prolong the life of what you buy. You can do this by using shrink wrap film to wrap up half used vegetables, cheese or meat, which will extend the life. Helping to reduce the amount of packaging you have in your home, limiting the amount of food wastage and saving you money.

These are just some of the ways you can help to reduce excess packaging. For more information on how to reduce your household food waste, how to avoid damaged goods and returns with packaging or how to keep your fruit and vegetables fresher for longer then be sure to check out our blog.