Eight ways to create less waste this festive season
The festive season is notorious for being the most wasteful time of year.
We buy too much, cook too much, eat too much and ultimately, discard way too much. But there are simple, yet effective ways for ordinary people to be more waste-conscious, says Dr Suzan Oelofse.
The president of the Institute of Waste Management Southern Africa (IWMSA) shares eight tips to help reduce the amount of waste your family creates over the December holidays.
Shop realistically – Plan meals carefully. With specific shopping lists, you can budget accurately, buy only what is genuinely needed and avoid impulse buys.
Take your own bags – Do your bit to reduce plastic in landfill sites by taking your own material bags when you go shopping. This small habit can make a huge difference, so encourage your family and friends to do the same. Store food correctly – Make sure you put cold foods into the fridge or freezer as soon as possible after purchase to avoid any unnecessary (and costly) spoiling. Store dry foods in airtight containers once the box or packet has been opened and make sure any fruit is stored in a cool area, away from direct sunlight.
Save it before it spoils – If you can see that something is nearing its use-by date or starting to spoil, use it as soon as possible or turn it into something you can save for a later date. For instance, if the bananas are looking over-ripe, bake banana bread.
Use leftovers creatively – If you find you have cooked too much and there’s a mountain of leftover food, don’t throw it away. You can freeze things like rice, gravy and vegetables and re-use the meat. Leftover salads can be served with fresh bread later as a healthy snack.
Separate – Even if you have never recycled bottles and plastics before, there is no better time to start than doing so this season. You want five different waste containers, boxes or crates – whatever works for you. Label them cans, glass, plastic, paper and kitchen and then make sure everyone in the house separates accordingly. Kitchen waste can be turned into compost very easily, and at the end of the season, you can take your cans, glass, paper and plastic to collection sites. Perhaps it will be the start of a lifelong habit?
Give to the less fortunate – Before you throw something away, ask yourself if there is anybody out there who would see your rubbish as more than just waste. This could be leftover food, building material, clothing – absolutely anything. If someone can use it, give it away!
Green your gifts – Think about ways to green your gifts. You could start by wrapping gifts in recycled paper and giving recycled cards. You could even go a step further and buy gifts that will directly promote the reduction of waste, such as green shopping bags as stocking fillers.
