Reduce Waste Together: Starting Conversations

Posted on: July 10, 2020

Waste affects everyone and we each have the potential to choose our own impact, but sometimes the ability and enthusiasm to make positive changes comes down to personal awareness and education.

It doesn't matter if you know a little or a lot. Talking more about waste - around the dinner table, at a sports match, in the school yard or with your work colleagues - can make a difference to what you do and what others are doing.

Here's five conversation starters to get the ball rolling:

• Tell friends, family and workmates that you’re on a mission to cut waste and quiz them on their own top tips – you might just be surprised by the different knowledge and experiences they can bring to the discussion!
• If you’re having success with a new find, such as a beeswax wrap, a stainless-steel straw, reusable nappies or beauty product recycling scheme why not tell others. It might be just the inspiration they need to try it themselves!
• Propose a workplace challenge to cut waste! Kick-off a ‘single use cup tax’ and use the proceeds to purchase some reusable cups to be shared by the team.
• Let people know you’re on a waste detox – and tell them what you’re finding most difficult and see if they can help you to brainstorm low-waste alternatives.
• Request recipes suitable for those foods that are often in your fridge nearing the end of their life. We can often get stuck in a rut when it comes to cooking – hearing what others do might be the kick start you need to help reduce food waste.