At hampers.com, we're celebrating Zero Waste Week by sharing our top tips to avoid waste. Whether it's the materials we use or the initiatives we support, we're committed to making a difference. However, it's not just businesses that can take sustainable steps to minimise waste... there are plenty of ways that everyone can contribute from home!
Read on to learn our top tips to help you avoid waste and make the most of what you have this Zero Waste Week.
1. Reuse and Recycle: Making the Most of Packaging
One of the key ways we combat waste at hampers.com is by using reusable and recyclable materials. Our beautiful wicker baskets and signature gift boxes are designed to be reused time and time again.
After enjoying your hamper, why not repurpose the wicker basket as a stylish storage solution or a picnic basket? The boxes can also be reused for gifting or storage.
When it comes to protecting our hampers during transit, we use 100% recyclable spiral wrap, ensuring that even our protective materials are kind to the planet. Plus, our packing wood wool is 100% natural and biodegradable, meaning it won’t leave a lasting impact on the environment.
2. Plan Your Meals & Love your Leftovers!
Planning your meals ahead of time is a simple yet effective way to reduce food waste. By thinking ahead, you can buy only what you need and ensure you're using everything you purchase. Measure the right amount of ingredients to avoid leftovers, and you'll be surprised at how much food (and money!) you save in the process.
Leftovers don’t have to be boring! Instead of throwing out uneaten food, turn it into something new and delicious. For example, roast chicken from dinner can be transformed into a hearty soup or a moorish sandwich for the next day. Get creative and make the most of every bite.
3. Pay Attention to Best Before Dates: Use Your Judgment
Best before dates are often misunderstood. They indicate when a product will be at its peak quality, not necessarily when it should be thrown away. Use your senses - look, smell, and taste, before deciding to discard something.
You might find that many items are still perfectly good to eat well after their best before date!
4. Give to Others: Share the Goodness
At hampers.com, we donate any surplus food to our local food bank - Oxford Food Hub, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
You can do the same! If you find yourself with extra food items, consider donating them to a local food bank. It’s a simple act of kindness that can make a real difference to those in need.
5. Recycle Smart: Close the Loop
Recycling is at the heart of our waste reduction efforts. We place our cardboard in a bailer, which is regularly collected for recycling. This ensures that our packaging materials don’t end up in a landfill. Don't forget, you can make a difference too, by recycling at home!
6. Stay Cool: Energy Efficiency Matters
Even in our office, we’re thinking about waste reduction. We’ve installed a drinks cooler that helps us cut down on the use of single-use plastics. By keeping drinks cool and refreshing, we’re reducing the need for disposable bottles and cans. Consider how you can implement energy-efficient practices in your home or workplace too.
Join us this Zero Waste Week
Reducing waste is a collective effort, and at hampers.com, we’re committed to doing our part. By making small changes in our everyday habits, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether it’s reusing, recycling, or simply being more mindful of what we consume, every action counts.
So why not join in this Zero Waste Week and help to make waste a thing of the past?
