The best way to manage waste is to produce as little of it as possible. Here are some hints and tips to reduce and reuse your waste.
Reduce, Reuse then Recycle!
We all know that recycling is great for the environment, but it has never been more important to think about reducing and reusing the waste you create to avoid having to recycle it in the first place. A great way to start reducing your waste is to shop second hand instead of buying new. Our Charity Shop Guide (PDF, 790 KB)(opens new window) has listings for charity shops throughout West Lothian, helping you to find a bargain or pass on what you no longer need.
Swish
A Swish event aims to stop Fast Fashion by swapping pre-loved clothes and passing them on to someone who can give them a new life. You can also take away as many items as you bring - money free shopping!
Did you know that the fashion industry has a big impact on our natural resources to make all the beautiful clothes that we wear everyday...and that statistically end up in landfill within a year? In the UK, around 300,000 tonnes of perfectly good, re-usable clothing is sent to landfill every year and even more sit in the back of a wardrobe.
Did you know that when you reduce, reuse and recycle you can save money too? It's true, there are so many occasions where you can save money and the environment at the same time - who wouldn't want to do that! For some great hints and tips on saving money from your unwanted items head over to the Money Saving Expert - 25 Wasy to Go Green and Save (opens new window).
Recycle Clothes for Coupons
You can also take your old clothes and shoes to high-street shops to get money off coupons. Some stores are now offering incentives to help us all pass on or recycle our clothes and shoes to avoid textiles ending up in landfill. Check out the Money Saving Expert (opens new window) website for more information on participating stores and what you can recycle.
Want to Reduce Your Plastic?
It has never been more important to reduce the amount of plastic we throw away. Programmes such as Blue Planet and War on Plastic have highlighted why reducing our use of plastic is so important, but taking the first steps can be daunting.
Home Aid is a charitable organisation that exists to recycle used furniture and to support members of the West Lothian community who face social and economic exclusion.
HomeAid provides essential furniture and white goods requirements for people who have been homeless and are taking up tenancies. Their two shops are also open to the public.
Included are families, single parents and individuals all in the low-income category, who with the assistance of HomeAid are looking to make the transition from homelessness to a home-making situation. In addition to providing furniture and white goods, the HomeAid project benefits the environment through the recycling and redistribution of second hand furniture and household items. HomeAid are always looking for good reusable furniture and electrical items.
Phone: 01506 652230
Fax: 01506 636059
Address: 12-14 Gideon Street, Bathgate and 18 George Street, Bathgate
Times: Mon - Fri 9.00am - 4.00pm
Fees: Depending upon referral system, also open to members of the public.
Zero Waste Scotland have developed the 'Good to Go' scheme to support restaurants in reducing their food waste by encouraging customers to take their leftover food home with them.
Every year, 53,500 tonnes of food is wasted from Scottish restaurants, costing an estimated £64 million. Around two-thirds of this food waste could have been avoided and 34% of this is estimated to be 'plate waste' - good food left by the customer at the end of the meal.
In order to avoid this food waste, Zero Waste Scotland are currently offering FREE starter packs of 300 boxes, bags and communication materials to businesses employing up to 250 employees. For more information please see the Zero Waste Scotland - Good To Go (opens new window) website.
If you would like to request a starter pack please contact Zero Waste Scotland:
