9 Ways to Reduce Waste

Since the Industrial Revolution there has been a constant drive towards economic growth by increasing intensity, productivity and efficiency, whilst marketing has driven up consumer demand. 

Over this period the consumption of key resources such as minerals, ores, fossil fuels and biomass have gone up a massive 8-10 tonnes per capita and with the additional population growth this resulted in an eight-fold growth in resource used over this period.  What is more it is predicted that the world is likely to consume three times more natural resources by 2050 – a staggering 140 billion tonnes!

Our high use of resources is caused partly by our wastefulness.  Within the UK 15 million tonnes of food is wasted across the food industry each year, of which 7.2 million tonnes comes from our homes.

One paper in the Royal Society's journal Philosophical Transactions warns that, unless demand on our resources in the UK is reduced, Britain will need the equivalent of a four-fold increase in nuclear power or a 40-fold increase in wind power to meet its target for reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

These statistics are very concerning, but we can all do something about it.  With waste being such a big cause, we can all make small but significant changes to reduce it.  These changes are good for our pocket, the environment, and a more sustainable long term future.  Here are a few tips from the Muddy Carrot Team:

1. Support local growers that sell misshapen fruit and veg.  These are often rejected by the supermarkets who select for the most consistent shape, colour and size but this is mostly superficial and will not affect the flavour.
   
2. Change the way you consume.  In the words of William Morris - a founding member of the Arts and Crafts Movement (started in the 1880s) 'Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.' By coming away from the throw away mentality and buying fewer but nicer quality products, or antiques, you can significantly reduce waste.
3. Choose more natural products.  This is something our Muddy Carrot sellers all have in common.  On a larger scale homes should be built with less cement; cars with less steel; and gadgets with less plastic.
   
4. Buy from producers that source locally and sustainably where possible.  This significantly reduces your carbon footprint.
5. Buy free range or organic produce, and make the most of them.  For instance if you cook a chicken don’t forget to create stock from bones (it makes a great soup).
6. In the words of Freegle “Don’t throw it away – give it away”. But don’t forget the charity shops, this can be a double benefit. When you buy fresh bread get it sliced and put it straight in the freezer.  Then you can take out a few slices at a time and they taste as good as the day it was baked.
7. Up-cycle children's clothes.  If you know your way round a sewing machine many little girls dresses can be adapted in to a pretty skirt, and if not there is always the charity shops.
8. Create your own compost pile.  Most fruit and vegetables, including peelings, are easily composted.  Don’t forget newspaper and lawn clippings can also be added.  Do avoid cooked food as this will attract rats, and when you buy compost use peat free.

This is just a few ideas, have you got a great tip you'd like to share?