Think you could go waste-free for a month, a week, or even for a day? The Waste Education Team at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, funded by Wiltshire Council, are encouraging local residents to join them for next month’s ‘Waste Free Feb’ challenge.
The aim of the challenge is to try and make sure every piece of waste we produce is either recyclable, reusable or compostable, meaning little to no waste should end up in the black bin.
In Wiltshire, the average household produces half a tonne of rubbish a year; this isn’t including what is thrown away when we’re out and about.
In 2018, the campaign had over 100 people take part, saving an estimated 2 tonnes of rubbish from the bin. The challenge encourages people to set their own goals and people can take part for as little or long as they wish, but by taking part, you can have a direct positive impact on the environment.
Last year, waste education officer, Gemma Annan, managed to fill only a small jam jar with waste, weighing just 32 grams. Gemma says “Waste Free Feb is challenging, but a challenge very worth committing to. I found myself shopping at a variety of stores and markets to achieve my goal; this really proved what a wasteful society we live in. However, by being a conscientious shopper it has opened my eyes and helped me adopt some everyday waste-reducing changes which I have continued through the year. These include changing to loose leaf tea (compostable) to avoid teabags containing plastic and making my own crisps in the microwave. I encourage everyone to take part this February, if only for a day or a week. By sharing your journey you can play a role in changing the amount of waste we as a county and society are producing.”
If you would like to join in with the campaign then sign up to Waste Free Feb www.wiltshirewildlife.org/waste-free-february.
Keep an eye out for tips on surviving Waste Free Feb on the Facebook group- Waste Free Feb, Twitter @SlimBinsWilts, Instagram @WiltsWildlife, use #WasteFreeFeb and via Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s blog www.wiltshirewildlife. org/Blogs/wiltshire-wildlife-trust-blog
