Minimising waste starts with a simple principle: reduce. By focusing on waste prevention, we can significantly decrease the amount that ends up in landfills. Here’s how you can easily incorporate reduction into your daily routine.   Reduce Reducing waste means avoiding it in the first place. Here are some straightforward ways to cut down on waste: Choose Loose Produce – Opt for loose fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packaged options. Bring Your Own Containers – Take your own container to a sushi shop or any other eatery that uses disposable packaging. Skip the Straw – Request that your drink be served without a straw at bars or cafes. By following these simple steps, you’ll generate less waste to dispose of in the first place.   Reuse Next on the waste hierarchy is reusing. This approach focuses on finding new uses for items rather than discarding them: Use Reusable Bags – Bring the same bags to the supermarket every time you shop. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle – Most cafes will happily refill your bottle, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles. Repurpose Items – Old t-shirts and clothing can be repurposed by turning them into rags for cleaning. By reusing items, we extend their lifespan and reduce the need for new resources.   Recycle Recycling is a familiar concept that involves converting waste into new materials or products. It’s an essential part of waste management because it conserves energy and reduces the need for raw materials. However, recycling is not without its challenges. Recycle Correctly – In March 2023 the Government announced that for the very first time, there would be a consistent recycling service across the country. They set out exactly what can and can’t be recycled in your kerbside bins, so we’ll have the same recycling rules all over New Zealand. Having standardised recycling rules will make it easier for people to use our kerbside services and get recycling right. It will also increase the quality of the materials collected, by reducing the amount that is contaminated. Know the Limits – Some materials can only be recycled a limited number of times, and contamination can lead to recyclable items ending up in landfills. While recycling is crucial, it’s most effective when combined with efforts to reduce and reuse. By prioritising these practices, we can make a more significant impact on reducing waste. So, while it is great to recycle, we should all be encouraged to look at how we can reduce and reuse!