Ireland is among the worst waste producers in Europe per population, with 91 per cent of our waste consigned to landfills each year. The estimated average annual consumer waste produced by each person is 700kg, three times more than the EU average.
Recycling is an important step in improving the environment from within each household. For every tonne of paper used for recycling, 17 trees remain untouched, 7,000 gallons of water are saved and 4,200 fewer watts of electricity are used.
When possible, try to harness nature in your daily household routine.
Use a barrel to collect rainwater for watering your lawn, as this is a more environmentally friendly option to garden hoses, which use 18 litres of water a minute and always dry clothes outside when it is dry or windy, as this saves on the amount of energy used.
Long-life light bulbs last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs and use up to 75 per cent less energy.
Up to 33 per cent of all kitchen waste can be composted successfully.
Composting organic material can half the amount of waste sent to landfills and can help your garden to retain moisture and nutrients. For best results create a balance of carbon and nitrogen through a mixture of browns and greens from your rubbish.
Try to purchase EU energy labelled products which are recognised by a small tree on the packaging whenever possible. Although they can cost marginally more, these products use less energy to make, emit fewer harmful emissions, and are packaged in recycled material.
Fiachra O Cionnaith