Recycle and reduce waste

Every day, each of us has countless opportunities to reduce the waste we generate

We can do this by:

  • buying less or buying smarter
  • reusing, repairing or upcycling goods clothes, furniture, bikes, appliances and so on (check out the Rediscovery Centre for ideas)
  • recycling or composting material we no longer need (check out MyWaste.ie to find out where you can recycle 100s of things, from animal beds to wool) 

 



When you shop 

  • Reduce how much stuff you buy.
    • Most emissions associated with ‘stuff’ comes from them being made and transported to you. Reduce your emissions by reducing your shopping!  
  • Bring your own bag
    • Don’t use single-use bags and remember to bring your reusable bags, as they have to be used many times to be truly sustainable. 
  • Be aware of packaging.
    • Choose items with little or no packaging.
    • If you can, leave unnecessary packaging in the shop to encourage them to reduce it.
  • Limit the amount of clothes you buy 
    • Buy durable clothes that will last.
    • Challenge yourself to only buy three items of clothing in a year.
    • Learn to sew and mend your clothes. DCU Sustainable Living Society runs a great ‘Stitch and Bitch’!

 

What you eat and drink

  • Reduce food waste by planning your meals and only buying what you need. Half of all food produced is wasted! 
  • Eat less meat. Try meat-free Mondays to get started!
  • Carry a refillable bottle instead of buying plastic bottles. Our Facebook page has a map of water refill points in DCU. 
  • Use a reusable mug when you can and remember most paper coffee cups are not recyclable!



 

When you print and use paper 

  • Try to print less and print double-sided when you can.
  • Use recycled paper for brochures/flyers etc
  • Run digital poster campaigns NOT paper posters
  • Use ink refills rather than buying new each time.