We have a problem in Hampshire. We produce too much waste; presently more than one tonne per household every year and this figure is rising. At the moment about 80% goes to landfill, but landfill space is filling up and we have nowhere else to put it.

Most importantly, this waste is a direct result of the lifestyle we lead. We consume too much, and consequently waste too much; this consumer lifestyle is not sustainable and as a result we are rapidly draining the earth’s natural resources.

We all need to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill sites and we can do this by recycling, but ultimately prevention is better than cure, and the amount of waste created must be reduced.

This is easier than you may think! Reducing waste does not involve a major change of lifestyle and, for a small effort, you can make a big difference. Look on it as a ‘consumer diet’ and think twice before you buy. You could also save yourself and your community money - but more of that later.

Think of what goes into your rubbish bin or sack - does it annoy you when your swing bin jams because it’s over full? Do you curse as you cart bags of refuse through the house on collection day? Do you gag when your bin leaks wet waste or begins to smell? These problems can be solved by reducing your rubbish!

Composting garden and kitchen waste, such as vegetables and fruit peelings, can reduce your waste by up to 30%. Over 70,000 compost bins have been sold or distributed by local councils in Hampshire, many at a subsidised price.

Reducing your waste can also save you money. Loose produce such as fruit and vegetables are cheaper than pre-packed alternatives. Say "no" to extra bags whenever you can.

If you have a baby then disposable nappies could account for a great deal of your rubbish. In 2½ years your baby could get through 6,500 nappies at a cost of around £1,600. More importantly every disposable nappy that has ever been landfilled still exists, as they take 250-500 years to decompose. If you use modern reusable fabric nappies, even with a home delivery laundry service, you can save up to 25% of the cost of disposables.

Rechargeable batteries are other items on which you can save waste and money. They are now very competitively priced compared with ordinary batteries and a multi battery overnight charger can be obtained for as little as £15. In the long run you will save a fortune and if you get into the habit of overnight charging (which you will already do if you own a mobile phone) there will be no inconvenience.

All year round, and especially at Christmas, you can reuse wrapping paper and cards, or recycle them.

Remember that just because you no longer need something doesn’t mean it has to be wasted. Often items are in saleable condition and advertising them can cost nothing. Someone could collect your rubbish from your house and pay you for the privilege! Alternatively car boot and garage sales are ways to dispose of your rubbish and generate income. Local Household Waste Recycling Centres, charity shops, jumble sales and textile banks are other ways to make sure your rubbish is reused before it is finally disposed of.

To cut down the amount of junk mail coming through your door and reduce your waste at the same time, contact the Mailing Preference Service, Freepost 22, London W1E 7EX or phone 0345 034599.

There are a number of other ways in which you can help; for example, using reusable lunch boxes instead of foil or cling film; buying refills for detergents, fabric conditioner, household cleaners and herbs and spices; reusing old carrier bags for bin liners or supporting supermarket ‘bag for life’ schemes.

Producing large amounts of waste costs the consumer money when purchasing it, and the community money when disposing of it; landfill tax is paid from your Council Tax. The bottom line is that waste is a waste of money. It could cost you the earth.

ARE YOU DOING YOUR BIT?

22 October 1999