Nature Holds the Key

To avoid creating waste, choose products with the least amount of packaging.

Save and re-use the little sundries that come along with packaging, such as rubber bands, twist ties and boxes.

Check your local library to find out all the resources it provides. Libraries are a good place to read magazines and newspapers as well as borrowing books (and DVDs).

Use dried tea leaves as a deodoriser. Scatter them over the carpet, leave for ten minutes then vacuum up. Place in the fridge to absorb odours (like baking soda).

Use [easyazon_link identifier="B0181XKRUK" locale="UK" tag="crosswebideas-21"]charcoal deodorisers[/easyazon_link] around the home to absorb rather than mask odours and toxins.

Make your own toiletries or switch to natural brands.

Save electricity by running your washing machine on a cooler setting and consider line-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer.

If you order coffee when you're out and about carry your own mug to avoid paper waste.

Share the little things in life, such as newspapers, magazines, books and DVDs, between friends and neighbours.

Choose drought-resistant plants for the garden to cut down on the need for watering.

Replace at least part of your lawn with a meadow as a wildlife habitat, and cut down on the need for watering.

Grow houseplants for clean air and give them rainwater occasionally as it has less impurities than tapwater.

Go for the most significant impact on your waste by aiming for a zero waste kitchen.

Filter water for all uses, not just drinking. Install a [easyazon_link identifier="B00H213YSA" locale="UK" tag="crosswebideas-21"]water filter[/easyazon_link] instead of filling up those jugs.

Instead of buying paper napkins for each celebration buy cloth napkins that you can use again, or make your own.

Where there's a choice select products with minimal or no packaging.

Take time to work out how much you need before making a purchase. If you do this for items such as food and paint you'll avoid paying for quantities that will only go to waste.

Choose houseplants that reduce toxins.

Choose rechargeable batteries and a battery charger to cut down on disposables. Eventually recyclable batteries reach the end of their life too but they can be recycled – local recycling policies vary so check with your recycling facility.

Use natural cleaning products or make your own.

Share tools and gadgets that people use infrequently rather than each of your neighbours buying their own individual items. Plan ahead and co-ordinate new purchases with your neighbours.

Save paper – always refuse paper receipts.

Those little fruit and veg labels that supermarkets use can be recycled too. Peel them off and stick them onto a plastic container in the recycling bin.

If possible replace disposable products with reusable ones (eg. food storage, coffee filters, straws, etc.).

Avoid chemical products for pest control. Rely on non-toxic alternatives.

Make your own compost

Sprinkle dry tea leaves to deodorise problem areas such as your cat litter tray.

Use a [easyazon_link identifier="B0030ZPC9Q" locale="UK" tag="crosswebideas-21" cart="n"]recycled plastic water butt[/easyazon_link] to collect rainwater for your garden.

If you only need a tool or piece of equipment infrequently then instead of buying one, save resources by asking a friend or neighbour if you can borrow one. Or check online for a lending club, such as Streetbank.

Avoid creating waste. When ordering food avoid plastic utensils or straws by asking in advance.

Switch to LED lights. They cost less to run and last longer than any other bulb.

Avoid synthetic fragrances. Choose natural methods to make your home smell fresh.

Rub beeswax over pans and baking sheets rather than use butter or oil each time. Over time the pan develops a permanent coating.

Take holidays closer to home and avoid air travel if you can to reduce your carbon footprint.

If you're looking for a hotel go to TripAdvisor and select 'GreenLeaders' from the 'More' menu option above the search box.

Use beeswax candles instead of ordinary paraffin candles. They burn cleaner, brighter and last longer. They also emit negative ions which improve air quality.

Reduce toxins in the home – always leave outdoor shoes at the door.

Look at the types of products you use and switch from disposable to reusable, such as food and drink containers, razors and nappies.

In the garden, use coffee grounds as a mulch for acid-loving plants or around the base of plants to deter ants and slugs.