SHOP SMARTER AND SWAP TO BEAT THE BUDGET

Consumer campaigners Waste Awareness Wales are advising Welsh householders to ‘think before you shop and don’t throw away if you can swap’ to avoid the strain of today’s Emergency Budget.

Each year the average Welsh family with children wastes £50 every month on food that ends up in the bin. In addition many of us squander even more cash by buying things new when second-hand would do, or throwing away unwanted goods when we could sell them or donate them to a charity or community group.

Waste Awareness Wales is suggesting the following money-saving measures:

• Write – and stick to – a shopping list, particularly when food shopping. That way you’re less likely to spend more on unnecessary things that get thrown away.
• Hire rather than buy anything you’re not likely to use more than five times. This includes everything from DIY or gardening equipment, to fancy hats and evening dresses.
• Banish the stigma of second-hand. Wearing vintage one-offs is far more stylish than turning up at a party dressed like everyone else, so scour the charity shops rather than the chain-stores for outfits that will stand out and won’t break the bank.
• Research online before making any big purchase to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your money. Ideally you should go for products that will last, or that can be repaired easily and cheaply rather than having to be thrown away if they break.
• Don’t underestimate the value of your junk. You’d be amazed at what people spend their money on, so if you want to treat yourself give your shed or attic a clear-out and get your unwanted stuff earning money for you on Ebay or at a car boot sale.

Georgina Taubman, Waste Awareness Wales’ smarter shopping and reuse expert, said:

"Everyone knows that times are tough for many of us financially, but what we often don’t realise is that there are loads of ways in which we can help ourselves. You would be amazed at the big difference to your pocket that just a few simple changes to your normal routine can make.

"My biggest tip is to think before you shop because we all spend far too much on things that never get used. Plan your food shopping ahead, borrow, swap, hire or buy second-hand. That way you’ll still be able to have everything you need but you won’t be breaking the bank.

"I’m a huge fan of online shopping, but now I get my online thrills selling old clothes on auction sites instead of buying new ones I’ll rarely wear. It also means that someone else can enjoy clothes I no longer use and it’s an ultra-green fashion choice as it cuts down on waste."