Refuse

We all want to do the right thing by reducing our use of plastic and single-use products around the house but knowing what to do can be a challenge.

Learn ways to shop smarter and avoid single-use items that will end up in the landfill. 

Rethink before you buy and ask yourself

• Do I really need it?
• Is it a good investment or value for money?
• Is it single-use and disposable?
• How long will it last before it needs replacing?
• Can I opt for a second-hand version instead?
• Can I borrow or loan this instead of buying my own?

Avoid single use packaging

• Opt for fruits and vegetables with no packaging.
• Choose packaging-free alternatives.
• Eliminate plastics from your bathroom. For example:
  • Use bars instead of products in containers for hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste and cleaners.
  • There is toilet paper available wrapped in paper.
  • Ditch plastic razors and opt for stainless-steel razors with replaceable blades.
  • Dental floss comes in alternatives, such as beeswax or silk floss.
• Reuse spray bottles by filling up at bulk stores or try making your own. Baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar are powerful cleaners that can be used in a variety of ways. 

How to DIY your own cleaning sprays and deodorant (youtube.com)

• Use refill or bulk-buy stores for grains, cereals, oils and cleaning liquids, and reuse the same containers.
• Use washable dish cloths. 
• Make your own biscuits, muffins and dips.
• Line your rubbish bin with newspaper as an alternative to plastic liners. 
• Check out Plastic Free July's useful tips:  

Plastic Free July (plasticfreejuly.org) 

• Have a look at this shopping guide for useful local information about zero-waste shopping options in our District: 

Rubbish Trip’s Zero Waste Shopping guide for Whangārei (therubbishtrip.co.nz).

Choose to refuse

• Junk mail: put a 'No Junk Mail' sticker on your letter box.
• Straws: say "no to a straw" with your drink or bring your own metal straw to reuse.
• Takeaway cutlery: bring your own reusable cutlery instead.
• Disposable napkins: bring your own cloth napkin or handkerchief instead.
• Flyers and leaflets: more often than not, these will get thrown away after reading so refuse to take one in the first place.
• Receipts: receipt paper is coated in a chemical that makes it unsuitable for recycling. Say "no to receipts" where possible.
• Single-use produce bags: take your own reusable bags. Single-use produce bags are now banned, and reusable produce bags are available for sale from all major supermarkets.