As an individual you can re-use more items in your day-to-day activities. Here are a few ideas (but there are many more for you to discover!):

• Reusing your shopping bags is a very useful tip. You can even get a "bag for life" from your supermarket for a sturdier carrier. Shopping bags can be used as residual bin liners.
• Reusing envelopes by using sticky envelope labels.
• Using a wide range of household items, such as yoghurt pots as mini plant pots; plastic bottles as mini cloches; ice cream tubs as lunch boxes, etc.
• Using cloth nappies instead of the disposable sort. Cloth nappies have developed greatly in recent times and are now very easy to use and will save you substantial amounts of money. For more information take a look at the Essex Cloth Nappy Campaign
  Email: wastemanagement@essex.gov.uk 
  Tel 01245 437318
• Using rechargeable batteries not only reduces your waste but is also a great way to save money.
• Giving something that you no longer use to someone who can use it. First find out if you have a friend who would appreciate the item, maybe use a giveaway website such as Give or Take - look out for Swap Events, or find out when and where your nearest car boot or jumble sale is.
• Don't waste leftover food. Check out the Love Food Hate Waste website for tasty alternatives for all your leftovers.