Reducing consumption
Extracting natural resources to feed our consumer lifestyles disrupts nature’s cycles and is a main driver of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Reducing our consumption will have a global impact, not just on climate, but on the scourge of pollution and waste, such as plastics in our oceans.
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What can you do?
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Did you know that ‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ is more than just a catchphrase? It’s a process! Changing what and, importantly, how much we buy has a major impact on the waste we create; we can all shift our mindsets around the things we buy and use.
First, reduce the waste you generate – this goes hand-in-hand with reducing your consumption. For each purchase, consider whether you really need it; perhaps you could borrow the item, or buy it second-hand? If you do need to buy it, can you make the purchase in as low-impact a way as possible? For example, choose the fruit that doesn’t come in plastic, and plan meals so less food is wasted.
Look at the rubbish in your bins to identify where you can change your habits.
Next, reuse items – if you can’t reduce the waste, can you reuse it somehow? Or can you pass disused items on to friends, family, neighbours or charity? Social media sites such as Facebook are a great way to let people know you have something they might need.
Recycling should be the last resort. If there’s absolutely no way to reuse something, then recycle it responsibly. Learn what can and can’t be recycled, and how to do it.
Manage your waste and recycling
Learn more about how we handle waste, and how you make a big difference to the success of the recycling and waste management process. See our webpages on waste and recycling.
Love every drop of water to reduce emissions
Fresh water and sewage go through an energy-intensive process to make it safe to reach our homes and before it reaches water courses.
Heating water is also energy intensive at home so reduce your hot water use to reduce your emissions and bills.
Get water saving tips and devices from Anglian Water’s Love Every Drop campaign.