After the Christmas rush, is your home feeling overwhelmed with clutter?
Brits generate 30% more waste during the festive season than at any other time of the year. On average, households discard the equivalent of three and a half black bags filled with festive packaging alone.
With this in mind, experts at London rubbish removal company Rainbow Rubbish, outlined some tips on how to minimise home waste in January, especially for those feeling the post-holiday financial pinch.
10 Tips to Minimise Home Waste in January
1. Declutter Sustainably
Start the new year with a clutter-free home by donating unwanted gifts or items you no longer need to charity shops or community groups. Alternatively, organise a post-christmas swap party with friends or neighbors to exchange items instead of discarding them. It’s a great way to refresh your belongings without adding to landfill.
2. Meal Planning for Leftovers
Don’t let festive leftovers go to waste – as these leftovers contribute to the problem of growing food waste in the UK (approximately 9.5 million tonnes of food every year) Get creative in the kitchen by transforming them into delicious new meals. Planning your weekly menu can help minimise food waste, and freezing surplus portions ensures nothing goes to waste while saving you time on busy days.
By incorporating meal planning to make the most of leftovers, you could save an average of £410 a month while reducing food waste and stretching your food shop budget further.1
3. Opt for Reusables
Say goodbye to single-use items by switching to reusable alternatives. Begin the new year investing in durable coffee cups, water bottles, and shopping bags to reduce everyday waste. For food storage, consider using reusable beeswax wraps or silicone covers as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap.
By switching from a plastic water bottle to a reusable water bottle, you could save £1,000 a year.2
4. Start Composting
Transform food scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost by starting a compost bin at home. This simple and rewarding practice reduces landfill waste, cutting harmful greenhouse gases like methane. Kitchen scraps like fruit peels, vegetable trimmings, and coffee grounds, combined with garden waste such as grass clippings and leaves, decompose into a rich, organic fertiliser.
5. DIY Cleaning Products
Reduce packaging waste by making your own eco-friendly cleaning products. Utilising simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can create effective, natural cleaners for your home without the need for single-use plastic containers.
6. Shop Secondhand
Give items a second life by shopping at thrift stores or online marketplaces for clothes, furniture, or electronics. Not only is it more sustainable, but it can also save you money. Before buying new, consider repairing items to extend their lifespan. Giving items a second life can significantly reduce your waste in the new year.
Research suggests that consumers could save between £30-£50 on their Autumn/Winter wardrobe.3
7. Say No to Junk Mail
Cut down on unnecessary paper waste by opting out of junk mail and switching to paperless billing. It’s a small change that can make a big impact over time while keeping your mailbox clutter-free, conserves resources, and simplifies access to digital records whilst improving environmental sustainability.
8. Upcycle Christmas Décor
Instead of throwing away festive decorations, get creative by repurposing them for future celebrations. Old wrapping paper and holiday cards can be transformed into crafts, gift tags, or decorative accents, keeping the holiday spirit alive sustainably.
9. Zero-Waste Challenges
Kickstart the year with a zero-waste challenge, such as a “no-buy” or “plastic-free” January. These challenges help you identify areas where you can reduce waste while fostering mindful consumption habits that can last all year long.
10. Support Sustainable Brands
Make a conscious effort to support brands that prioritise sustainability. Look for companies offering minimal packaging, refillable products, or compostable options. By choosing eco-friendly brands, you help drive demand for greener practices in the market.
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