Sometimes it’s hard to break the habit of doing the things you’re used to doing. We all have our own individual habits. The set routines and little things we do every day. They’re ingrained in us and we just do them, sometimes without even thinking.
But it’s good to stop to consider the habits we have. There are changes we can make to our ‘little’ daily routines that will have a big impact if we continue to do them over a sustained period…and this is where reusing will help the environment in the long term.
“I can’t be bothered doing that…”
“It’s just easier not to…”
“What’s the point?”
It’s normal to have doubts about making a new, sustained change to your routine. But if you’re prepared to put in the effort, and want to make a difference you will be making your own meaningful contribution to creating a better, cleaner Wrexham.
“You’ll find that often reusable items are available”
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Environment, said: “If you take the initiative to cut out as many of the single-use items as you can, such as plastic packaging from a meal deal, or plastic cups and bottles that are often easy to grab on the go, you can make a real difference in Wrexham.
“If you’re prepared to break the habit you’ll find that often reusable items are available which are much more environmentally sustainable, and they will likely save you money in the long run.”
Choose to reuse
Here are some examples where reusable items could be introduced in your lifestyle.
Reusable water bottles
Are you someone who buys a bottle of water on your way into work every day? Now that the weather’s a bit warmer, you may even find yourself buying more than one a day. If so, think about how many single-use bottles you’re using every week/month/year.
Maybe it’s time to consider getting a reusable water bottle and filling it up before you go out? You’ll be helping the environment and your wallet/purse will be much happier too.
Also, if you prefer the filtered water taste, did you know you can get reusable water filters to use at home or on the go?
Change the habit and choose to reuse.
Reusable coffee cups
Perhaps it’s a cup of coffee that you grab on the go each day? If so, why not get yourself a reusable coffee cup instead of using a single-use one each time.
They’re becoming increasingly popular and most coffee shops will happily fill your cup for you if you ask them to. Some coffee shops even offer a discount for bringing in your own reusable coffee cup!
Lend & Mend – why buy when you can borrow?
At Lend & Mend in Tŷ Pawb, you can access what you need without the hefty price tag. It’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to get the items you need, exactly when you need them.
From sewing machines to camping gear, tools to party supplies, there’s plenty of useful items you can hire for a small cost (compared to what you’d pay to buy the item new yourself).
It can be a great solution if you only need to use something for a short amount of time. The borrow and return scheme helps to reduce unnecessary waste and saves you having to pay full price for something you won’t need very often.
Read more about this in our Lend & Mend blog.
Don’t forget about the reuse shop
If you’re looking to get on board with reusing, you should pay a visit to the Nightingale House Hospice reuse shop.
It’s based in Bryn Lane Recycling Centre, and it’s open between 9am and 5pm, seven days a week!
At the reuse shop you can buy a host of preloved items that are in great condition, such as sporting equipment, hoovers, prams, furniture, bikes, garden furniture, and televisions at excellent value.
All donated items are cleaned and safety tested before being sold back at the re-use shop, so it’s well worth a visit.
Or if you’re looking to get rid of items rather than buy, have you thought about donating?
By donating your unwanted items you will be supporting the services that Nightingale House Hospice provide in the Wrexham, Flintshire and East Denbighshire to Barmouth and the border towns.
From books and bikes to children’s toys and homeware, anything that you no longer use, but that could come in handy to someone else, is more than welcome at the reuse shop.
You can donate to the re-use shop at any of the three recycling centres in Wrexham; just speak to one of the attendants who’ll point you to where you can make your donation.
These are just a few examples, but if we choose to reuse whenever we can we’ll make a difference in the fight against single-use plastics.
For more info on recycling in Wrexham, please visit wrexham.gov.uk/recycling
