KEY POINTS:
Cutting back on rubbish is not as hard as it looks.
You might not tick every box on this list, but even small things such as not using plastic bags can make a big difference.
Sixty-five per cent of the average rubbish bag could be recycled or composted, according to the Ministry for the Environment website www.reducerubbish.govt.nz.
"Each month, New Zealanders dispose of enough rubbish to fill a rugby field 30 storeys high.
"This means the portion of this that could be recycled or composted is around 20 storeys high - that's a huge waste of space in our landfills and most of that rubbish won't break down for generations," says the website.
So here are 20 practical tips for reducing your household waste:
* 1. Say no to plastic bags:
When you go to the supermarket, use cloth shopping bags or reuse old plastic bags.
* 2. Buy products with less packaging
Choose products with the least amount of packaging. Buy products such as concentrates and refills. They give you more product for less packaging.
* 3. Buy products in recyclable packaging
Buy products which come in recyclable materials such as glass, cardboard, paper, cans or type 1 and 2 plastics (check on the bottom of the container). Alternatively, things such as glass jars and plastic containers can be reused for other things.
* 4. Give away clothes/furniture
Take unwanted clothes to clothing bins, op-shops or other organisations such as the Salvation Army. Furniture can be taken to second-hand shops or given away.
* 5. Stop buying bottled water
Buy one bottle and reuse it as long as possible - or just get it straight from the tap.
* 6. Say no to junk mail
Put a "No Circulars" sign on your letter-box to stop unwanted paper being delivered.
* 7. Recycle rubbish
Separate out paper, plastics, glass and cans for kerbside recycling. Recycle as you go to save time and hassle.
* 8. Invest in a compost bin
Bins can be bought from places such as garden centres. Prices vary from $30 to $300. Food scraps can be put in the bin. Compost can then be used on the garden.
* 9. Invest in a worm farm
Food scraps are put in the worm farm and the worms break down the waste. The worms then produce vermicast (worm excrement), which can be used as a fertiliser for the garden. Worm farms can be bought, or home-made.
* 10. Reuse the bags bread comes in
Instead of using plastic cling film (which can't be recycled), use an old plastic bread bag to put your sandwiches in. Alternatively, put your lunch directly into an airtight container to avoid using cling film.
* 11. Don't buy disposable products
Avoid buying products such as plastic cups, plates and utensils. Use a handkerchief instead of tissues and use washable cloths for cleaning instead of throw-away wipes.
* 12. Buy recycled goods
Buy second-hand furniture, toys, clothes, building materials etc.
* 13. Buy washable nappies
Don't use disposable nappies, which clog up landfills and take years to break down. Invest in washable nappies.
* 14. Feed bread scraps to birds
Bread scraps are not so good in compost bins or worm farms. Feed bread scraps to birds.
* 15. Buy a toothbrush with a disposable head
Buy a toothbrush with a disposable head so you don't throw away the whole brush when you need to replace it.
* 16. Say no to paper serviettes
Use cloth serviettes - better for the environment as well as adding a touch of sophistication.
* 17. Grow your own fruit and vegetables (where possible)
Growing your own fruit and vegetables reduces packaging and saves money.
* 18. Reuse envelopes
Don't chuck them out. They can be reused over and over - and you can save money.
* 19. Reuse wrapping paper
If you unwrap your presents carefully, you can reuse the paper.
* 20. Take advantage of the HazMobile
The HazMobile comes to certain areas around the country on certain dates and collects hazardous waste such as chemicals, batteries, waste oil and other such materials. Contact your local council to find out more.
