Zero Waste

nickj_2

would it not be a good idea for companies to sell liquids like detergents , shampoo in reusable bottles so that you refill them in the shop , i'm sure an idiot proof system could be developed , and also is'nt it about time packaging was designed to last as long as the item it holds , for instance my wifes make up stuff appears to be made of plastic that could probably withstand a nuclear strike , why does it need to be a . made of plastic b. so over engineered

A_fiend_for_life

nickj wrote: »

would it not be a good idea for companies to sell liquids like detergents , shampoo in reusable bottles so that you refill them in the shop , i'm sure an idiot proof system could be developed

Body shop already take their packaging back not sure if they reuse it though.

Ecover products can be refilled in local shops too though they usually only support the popular lines.

You'd think supermarkets would deliver concentrated stuff and dilute it on site though and provide a refund for the packaging. Supermarkets though offset the cost of packaging on to the supplier though. Felicity Lawrence's book 'Not on the Label' highlights this. Check out your local library.

Travelqueen

Stumbled upon a website today whilst doing some research for work and wondered whether anyone had seen it?

Not really sure whether to post on the green board or competitions, but as there is a green competition also related to reducing waste I plumped for this board on the end of an old post about zero waste challenge

Seems particularly relevant at the moment, and I was interested to see that their council seems to support their zero waste idea.

http://myzerowaste.com/

There are also some interesting discussions, links and information.

Hope it helps someone!

TQ

turfy6

We are a family of 5 two adults and three children and have lived in Ireland for 6 yrs now. We live very rural and have no "Bin Man" at all. We have now adapted our lifestyle and recycling is part of everyday living.
The plastic bags were gone before we arrived. Paper bags with every purchase of everything, ie recyclable. I make a trip once a week into town which has a fantastic amenity site and has won awards. They take Plastic packaging, Plastic milk containers, aerosols, glass, cardboard, paper, used cooking oil, shredded paper, used paint of any type, electrical items, scrap metal, garden waste, tins, they are absolutely fantastic. When you buy any electrical item you pay a prf (product recycling fund) which is very minimal , this covers the cost to recycle the item and you can therefore dispose of the old one at no cost. I have two compost bins and a big sheepdog who eats practically anything that is leftover. I tend to bake a lot too, which keeps the cost of biscuit wrappers, and cakes right down to zero. The bags of flour I buy in bulk and are paper so they are recyclable too, I have 7 hens so dont buy any eggs, in fact sell around 4 doz a week, and I use the marj tubs as containers for them, so I pass that problem on to someone else, hope this gives you some tips.