Emily Harling

Rubbish is difficult not to notice in my local area. I live in the student part of Leeds where bursting bins and pavements piled with bin bags are a common sight. This is a representation of the negative impact our levels of consumption are having on the planet.

There are so many materials in these piles of waste that could have been put to good use but instead will end up in landfill.

THINGS EVERYONE CAN DO TO LESSON THE WASTE ISSUE:

• Consume less! The simplest fix of all, especially when it comes to clothing. Ask ‘why?’ before you buy, consider reusing items you already have first

• Choose sustainable materials. When possible try to pick items packaged in recyclable or biodegradable. Opt for alternatives to plastics whenever you can.

• Ditch single use products. Carry reusable shopping bags, invest a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, swap out facial wipes for a reusable face cloth…there are so many options when it comes to alternatives to single use. It may seem expensive but if you are in a position where you can invest in these options it will work out cheaper in the long run, and better for the planet!

• Know your areas recycling. One issue with the recycling bin is that we often don’t know what we can put in it, so end up recycling less or throwing things that won’t get recycled. Having different rules for different ares in the UK does not make it easier, however you can get clued up on what you can and cannot recycle from a quick Google or by using this online Recycling Locator.