From bin to win: how to save cash by reducing waste | Tenant news

When it comes to sustainability and protecting the environment, your daily habits could have a massive impact on the planet and your bank account so, we all need to do our bit.

Here are four ways you can do your bit for the planet.

Master the meal plan

The most effective way to stop food waste is to prevent it before it enters your home.

Meal planning is your secret weapon. By checking your cupboards before heading to the shop and sticking to a strict list, you avoid the "impulse buy" trap.

If you find yourself with extra portions, embrace your freezer. Anything from bread and milk to herbs and cooked pasta can be frozen.

And don’t forget to label your containers with dates to ensure you’re practicing a first-in, first-out system.

Upcycle and profit

Before you toss out that old coffee table or those outdated clothes, consider their resale or upcycle value.

Upcycling is a fantastic way to breathe new life into tired items. A simple sanding and a coat of eco-friendly, low-odour paint can turn a roadside find into a statement piece.

Platforms like Vinted, Depop, eBay or Facebook Marketplace also allow you to turn your decluttering efforts into extra income.

Kerry Thompson, Local tenant representative and JSIG tenant member, said: “A tidy home isn’t just cleaner – it’s richer. When you recycle the stuff you’ve forgotten about and sell the things you don’t even remember buying, you’re basically turning clutter into pocket money.”

If an item isn’t quite right for selling, donating to charities ensures that textiles and household goods stay out of landfills while supporting vital community causes.

Composting and recycling

Some people might think composting is reserved for those with sprawling gardens, but bokashi bins or small wormeries are perfect for flat-living.

These compact systems sit under the sink and turn food scraps into nutrient-rich ‘tea’ for your houseplants.

For everything else, careful recycling is key. Clean your containers thoroughly; a single half-full jar of peanut butter can contaminate an entire batch of recycling.

Look for eco-friendly swaps, such as beeswax wraps instead of cling film or refillable cleaning products, to reduce the volume of single-use plastic entering your home in the first place.

Act today

Being sustainable is about making the most of the resources already at your doorstep.

Make sure you’re fully using the food waste and recycling bins provided by your local council. These are the easiest tools you have to ensure your waste is processed responsibly.

Finally, take a stroll down your local high street. You’ll find a wealth of charity shops and community ‘swap shops’ ready to take your unwanted items and give them a second life.

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