Reduce

• Plan a weekly menu and stick to it. In the UK on average we waste around £400 worth of food a year per person.
• If you notice something in the fridge that is past its sell by date then buy less next time.
• Avoid products with too much packaging. Remember convenience foods are particularly bad for this.
• Buy items with little packaging and loose produce.
• Invest in a reusable bag for when you go shopping. They might cost you a pound but you'll certainly save in the long run.

Reuse

• Buy reusable products - nappies, razors and cleaning clothes for example - Avoid buying anything with the word disposable in the title.
• You can use old plastic carrier bags in all kinds of ways: e.g. as bin liners, as drainage systems at the bottom of plant pots and hanging baskets, as an alternative to bubble wrap, or as 'poo bags' when out walking your dog.
• Buy items that are refillable. This is another great way to save money.
• Use and reuse cardboard boxes for the weekly shop. They don't roll around in the boot of the car and they hold a lot more than plastic bags.

Recycle

• Make the visit to the supermarket part of your recycling routine. Most of them have recycling facilities you know.
• When filling your trolley think about the recycling facilities that are available to you, and then buy products in packaging that you can easily recycle.
• Avoid convenience foods that have two or three layers of packaging.
• Support the recycled market and buy recycled. If the shop doesn't stock recycled products then use your consumer power and ask them to start stocking them.