How can you shop in a more eco-friendly way?

**Amber Minogue** (0:04)
How can you shop in a more eco-friendly way?
Thanks for asking. From overbuying and unnecessary packaging to food waste, the way we shop can have a bigger environmental impact than we realize. In the UK, food and drink account for around a quarter of the average household's carbon footprint, according to the Carbon Trust. UK households throw away around 6 million tonnes of edible food every year, according to estimates from the UK's leading waste reduction charity. But there is good news. A few simple changes to the way you shop can make a real difference. So where should we start? One of the easiest wins is cutting back on single use plastic. Swap disposable carrier bags for reusable shopping bags, a basket or a trolley. It won't solve the plastic crisis, but it helps reduce the amount of plastic ending up in landfill, rivers and the sea.
You can also bring your own containers when you shop. Many zero waste and refill stores let you fill reusable jars with staples like rice, pasta or cereal. And some cafes and takeaways will accept your own container for food. Buying only what you need also helps cut food waste. Another simple switch is to drink tap water instead of bottled water. Is food the only area where we can shop more sustainably? Not at all. The same principles apply to almost everything we buy. Before replacing something, ask yourself whether it can be repaired. Extending the life of everyday items reduces waste and cuts the demand for new products. And if you're not confident fixing things yourself, there are plenty of online tutorials and local repair cafes that can help. Buying second hand is another easy way to reduce your impact. Whether it's clothes, furniture or homeware, choosing pre-owned saves resources and often saves money too. If you're after a new pair of denim shorts, for example, buying them second hand avoids the environmental cost of producing a brand new item, especially compared with fast fashion. The same goes for electronics, where refurbished devices are often a smart alternative to buying new.
You can also reduce waste in the bathroom and around the house. Swapping shower gel for a bar of soap, using shaving soap instead of foam, or choosing refillable or solid toiletries can all help cut plastic packaging. Toothbrushes with replaceable heads and toothpaste tablets are becoming increasingly common too.
Finally, think about switching to reusable products wherever you can. Refillable coffee pods, washable makeup remover pads and reusable period products such as menstrual cups, period pants or washable pads can all reduce waste over time. There you have it.
Now you know how you can shop in a more eco-friendly way. In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you really will know for sure.