How to Reduce your Personal Waste Footprint?

We are coming up to the holiday season, where consumption of goods and products increases by 25% on average! From wrapping paper to unwanted gifts, there amount of waste we as a society generate is immense. What is interesting, is when you look at the Google Trends of the word 'Recycling', it peaks on the week of Christmas every year. Clearly, the amount of waste being generated during the holiday season is on our mind...

With that in mind, we wanted to take this time to provide some insight on how you can reduce your personal waste footprint in a way that also saves money, promoting more sustainable consumption habits. 🎉

Fact 🧠

Approximately 30% of items purchased by a consumer end up being discarded very soon after the point of purchase. Within 6 months, it is estimated that 99% of products end up being discarded.

Tips💡

1. Shopping lists: plan your purchases and create a detailed shopping list to avoid impulse buys.
2. Buy in bulk wisely: purchase non-perishable items in bulk to save money and reduce packaging waste. However, avoid buying perishable items in large quantities unless you are sure you can use them before they spoil.
3. Choose quality over quantity: spend your money on higher-quality items that are more durable and have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
4. Opt for minimal packaging: select products with minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce waste.
5. Avoid single-use items: reduce the purchase of single-use items like plastic water bottles, disposable cutlery, and paper towels, instead invest in reusable alternatives. Bring your own reusable bags, containers, and produce bags to the store.
6. Prioritize multi-use, refillable products: choose products that have multiple uses or functions. For example, a multi-purpose cleaner can replace several different cleaning products and some can be refilled.
7. Inspect and rotate stock: regularly check your pantry, fridge, and storage areas to use items before they expire. Rotate older items to the front to ensure they get used first.
8. Shop second-hand: buy second-hand items, such as clothing, furniture, and electronics, from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or garage sales. This reduces waste and can save you money.
9. Check unit prices: compare unit prices (price per ounce, pound, liter, etc.) to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
10. DIY: make some products at home, like cleaning solutions, baked goods, or beauty products, to save money and reduce packaging waste.

Extra Content on Waste Reduction

• ‍Minimalism on Netflix
• Buy Now: Shopping Conspiract on Netflix
• KonMari a.k.a "Does this bring me joy" on Youtube
• Human Footprint (2008) by National Geographic

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How can Scrapp help?

Are you trying to reduce your personal waste footprint? Download our free app and learn how to dispose of common waste types in your local area.

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