Waste not, want not this summer

1 Jul 2009

As families across Wales look forward to long hazy days on the beach, sizzling barbecues and days out in the countryside, Waste Awareness Wales is urging people to think green when planning their activities this summer.

As the temperature rises, so too - it seems - does the amount of rubbish we produce. From the disposable plates and glasses we use at summer parties and picnics to the drinks cans and bottled water we gulp down in the hot weather, it all contributes to the 4 million tonnes of rubbish that is thrown away in Wales each year. While we are all getting much better at recycling the waste we produce when we’re at home, it seems all too easy to forget when we are outdoors.

Councillor Aled Roberts, Chairperson of Waste Awareness Wales, explains that by making an extra effort to recycle their rubbish this summer, people can make a huge difference to the environment.

"In Wales we are incredibly lucky to have a host of stunning scenery on our doorstep, from beautiful beaches to magnificent mountains, all of which are best enjoyed in the summer sunshine. But if we want to preserve our countryside for future generations to enjoy, we have to be careful about what we throw away.  

"Over the summer months we all want to be out and about, packing our time with fun-filled activities. But it is important not to forget the good waste management habits we adopt when we’re at home - with some forward planning and by following some simple steps we can all easily reduce our rubbish this summer, even when we’re out and about."

To help you keep your waste to a minimum this summer, Waste Awareness Wales has come up with some top tips for you to follow:

1.  If you’re holding a summer party, make sure you find out the exact number of guests you are cooking for so that you can plan ahead and only buy what you need.

2.  Buy fruit and vegetables loose instead of pre packaged items. You will be able to choose the best items and reduce the amount of waste going into the bin.

3.  Invest in a barbecue instead of using lots of throw-away ones. You will save money in the long run and reduce the amount of rubbish that cannot be recycled.

4.  Don’t be lazy and opt for the pre-prepared salad! Make your own and put it in a reusable container to keep it fresh.

5.  Rather than spend a small fortune on disposable plastic knives and forks and paper plates, just use your normal crockery and cutlery. If you haven’t got enough to go round, ask your friends to bring their own.

6.  Have a designated recycling bin for glass and cans next to the cool box at your picnics and barbecues so that as you grab your next drink, you can recycle your old can or bottle at the same time. Depending on where you live, empty drink cans and glass bottles can either be collected at the kerbside or recycled at your local civic amenity site - just make sure you don’t throw them in the bin where they’ll all end up in landfill.

7. Love your barbecue and picnic leftovers! Left over bread rolls can be frozen, salads and pastas can be stored in the fridge for another occasion and barbecued meats taste great in sandwiches and rolls the next day as long as you refrigerate it overnight.

8. When you’re out and about, make sure you rinse and recycle as much of your rubbish as possible. And if there are no recycling facilities nearby, simply take your waste home and recycle it with your other rubbish.

9. Better still, save money by packaging your picnics in reusable tupperware and take homemade drinks in plastic beakers, to reduce waste all together.

10. When you get thirsty, re-fill your water bottle with fresh tap water rather than buying a new bottle of mineral water every time.