What more can I do?
It's not just our household waste that affects climate change. There are lots of other things you can do to help reduce the amount you waste and your impact on the environment.
The food we throw away, the homes we live in and the cars we drive all emit carbon dioxide emissions – the main greenhouse gas that causes climate change.
The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) recently reported that over 40% of CO2 emissions in the UK come directly from what we do as individuals; for example, heating and using electricity in our homes and driving vehicles. Flights are the next biggest source of individuals' CO2 emissions. (For more information, see the DECC (2013) Official statistics: Final UK greenhouse gas emissions).
Here's a rundown of other ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and some of the organisations that can help.
Reduce the food you waste
Around a staggering £12.5 billion worth of food is thrown away in Britain annually, if we stopped wasting good food we could avoid around 17 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents being emitted each year, the same as taking 1 in 4 cars off of UK roads.
Love Food Hate Waste provides easy tips on reducing the amount of food you waste useful information on ideal portion sizes, ready-made meal plan recipes and handy shopping lists - plus much more to help you reduce the amount of food you throw away!
Save energy in your home
The Energy Saving Trust can help you to make some simple energy saving home improvements, save money on your energy bills, improve the comfort of your home and help fight climate change.
Waste less water
Did you know that waiting for the tap to run cold when filling a glass with water can waste more than 10 litres of water a day?
Waterwise provides handy tips on how to reduce the amount of water you waste and make your home more water efficient.
Do the green thing
Green Thing is an online community for anyone who wants to be a bit greener and needs some advice on how to do this. It focuses on seven things you can do – and enjoy doing – to live a greener lifestyle.