Reusables
With growing concerns about plastic pollution, it's more important than ever to reduce plastic use in our daily lives. The best way to do this is by replacing single-use items with reusables.
Start making it a habit to grab items such as water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags whenever you leave the house. There are plenty of other changes you can make, too.
Dacorum Zero Waste Map
We've created a map of places in Dacorum that can help you reduce, reuse, and recycle. It includes recycling centres and drop-off points, zero waste shops, second-hand shops, community fridges, repair cafes, reusable nappy libraries and more. You can also find refill stations for water bottles, dry foods and cleaning supplies using the Refill app.
We regularly update the map and welcome suggestions of new locations. Email us at recycle@dacorum.gov.uk.
Click the icon on the black bar in the map's top left corner to view the key.
Refill shops
More places in Dacorum now offer the option to refill your containers and buy household staples without plastic packaging.
Berkhamsted
Hemel Hempstead
Northchurch
Tring
Water bottles
The UK uses 13 billion plastic bottles each year, and 60 per cent of that is from water bottles. Switch to a reusable water bottle to cut down on waste. Whether you’re going to work, school, or out to play, bring a reusable bottle to refill.
Refill Hertfordshire
Refill Hertfordshire is a local initiative that makes refilling easier when out and about. Cafes, pubs, and restaurants can register as Refill Stations that provide free tap water on request. There are more than 100 Refill Stations in Dacorum. Find them using the Refill app or by looking for Refill window stickers.
Businesses can register as Refill Stations free of charge - it only takes a minute.
Tap water
About 15 per cent of people in the UK only drink bottled water. Switching to tap or filtered water reduces plastic waste and saves money, plus it has a lower carbon footprint.
Remember your reusables on the go
Reusable cups
The UK uses 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups every year, and only 1 in 400 of these can be recycled. Invest in a reusable cup and enjoy discounts at a range of shops.
Shopping bags
Leave your reusable shopping bags in your car, handbag or by the door so you always remember to use them.
Cutlery
If you're planning on eating on the go, make sure to take reusable cutlery - such as sporks, chopsticks or knives and forks - with you.
Remember your reusables at home
In the bathroom
Soap
Swap shower gel and liquid hand wash for a bar of soap. It'll last longer and you'll reduce waste.
Shampoo and conditioner bars
These work just as well as bottled versions and often use natural ingredients. Check out these brilliant bars.
Wipes
Most wipes contain plastic and aren't biodegradable or recyclable. Use reusable wipes or make your own. Never flush disposable wipes down the toilet - they can harm the environment and clog sewers.
Period products
Disposable pads can contain as much plastic as four plastic bags. Reusable period products are a great alternative.
Reusable nappies
A child can use around 4,500 disposable nappies by the time they’re potty trained. Reusable nappies help the environment and can save you up to £500.
In the kitchen
Buy loose produce
Choose loose fruit and vegetables instead of plastic-wrapped options. Bring your own bags or containers to the supermarket to put them in.
Milk delivery
Get back to using glass bottles for milk instead of plastic. Find your nearest milkman.
Cleaning products
Many things can be cleaned with a simple mix of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. This reduces the need for plastic bottles of cleaning products.
Food wrap
Replace cling film with reusable food wrap or make your own beeswax-coated wraps.
Reusable tableware
Invest in reusable plates and cups for parties and picnics to cut down on single-use items and save you money.
Rechargeable batteries
These save money in the long run and reduce waste. Always recycle single-use batteries at designated battery recycling points.
More information
Learn more about reducing, reusing and recycling in Dacorum. Get top tips on how to be more environmentally friendly.
Page Last Updated: Friday, 11 October 2024 at 03:12 PM