All you need to know about Zero Waste Week

It’s no secret – our planet is in trouble. But small changes, like reducing the amount of waste we produce, can make a big difference to fighting the climate crisis.

• Recycling paper uses 40% less energy than making it from virgin wood.

• The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle could power a 10-watt LED lightbulb for 40 hours.

• Creating aluminium from old cans and foil uses 95% less energy than making it from scratch.

• Invest in reusable items - reduce your plastic waste by investing in items you can use again and again.

Lunchbox - making your own packed lunch helps you steer clear of pre-packaged sandwiches and snacks. Loose-leaf tea - many tea bags contain plastic, so using a tea strainer and loose tea leaves is much better for the planet. Beeswax wraps - a sustainable way to keep food fresh. You can wash and reuse them again and again. Reusable water bottle/flask - take one with you wherever you go, to stay hydrated or caffeinated without single-use cups. Reusable face mask - conservationists have warned the coronavirus pandemic could leave our oceans clogged with more disposable masks than jellyfish.

• Buy loose and local - if you find food packaging in your plastic audit, try buying it loose. Buying from local market stalls has bonus environmental benefits. 

• Make an ecobrick - a building block made from unrecyclable plastic. Make your own to use up plastic you can’t avoid.

• Write lists on your phone - Lists are a great way to stay organised, but less orderly when they pile up in paper recycling. Try going paper-free with your phone.

• Choose paperless communication - if you’re receiving mail, look on the company’s website to see if they offer a paperless alternative. If you’re burdened with junk mail, you’ll normally find instructions on how to opt out in the small print. 

• Make your own pizza - Pizza boxes stained with a lot of grease can contaminate the recycling chain, so often end up in landfill. Luckily, making your own pizza is easy, delicious and more sustainable. We’ve got some great tips on how to make homemade vegan pizzas.

• Swap plastic containers for glass jars - jam or chutney jars can be used to store homemade jams and hummus, leftovers, overnight oats and even sweets, nuts and fruit. You could even use them to keep homemade cosmetics.

• Transform wine bottles into candle holders - instead of tossing them in the recycling bin, have a go at making candle holders. Easy to personalise, DIY wine bottle candles make amazing presents.

• Make homemade gifts in leftover jars - the Brownie-in-a-jar is another clever gift idea. All you have to do is layer the dry ingredients into your jar, add a gift tag, and you’re done!

Food waste is estimated to cost the EU around €143 billion per year and is responsible for 15% of the food supply chain’s greenhouse gas emissions. Not easy facts to swallow.

• Only buy what you need - it may seem obvious, but it’s not always easy. The key is planning ahead. Create a meal plan at the start of the week and only buy what you need to see you through.

• Compost your food waste - produce natural compost from food waste if you can, instead of putting food in landfill where it may release greenhouse gases.

• Make the most of your leftovers - pancakes aren’t just limited to one day in February. They’re a great, versatile way to use up sweet or savoury odds and ends. Check out our video on how to make delicious vegan pancakes with FGR head chef Em Franklin.  

• Avoid plastic bin liners - you know the deal – plastic bin liners go straight to landfill. Instead, collect your garden waste in a strong, durable bag. Once emptied, you can take it home to use again.

• Compost garden waste - composting breaks waste down into soil, which you can feed back to your garden.

• Shred the big stuff - most gardens produce waste twigs and branches from the pruning of woody plants. Instead of burning these try cutting them into smaller bits and composting them.

• Make a worm bin - make your own worm bin by combining kitchen scraps with garden waste – like weeds, leaves and grass cuttings. Earthworms love feeding on the debris and will reward your efforts by releasing nutrient-rich waste.