FOUR hundred people saved six tonnes of rubbish from going into landfill in 2022 as part of a  challenge run by a wildlife trust - now the initiative is about to return again.   

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is urging people to take part in its Waste Free Feb challenge in a bid to boost recycling. 

It is estimated that UK households throw away 1.85bn pieces of plastic packaging each week and 4.5m tonnes of edible food is thrown away each year. The aim of the challenge is to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost more.

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Communications officer at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Eleanor Dodson said: “This year, more than ever, people are feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis.

"By taking part in Waste Free Feb, you can learn how to make the most of what you have at home and save those pennies in the process. A sustainable life is an affordable one, and it helps the environment, too.”

She said there are many environmental benefits to having less waste including a reduction in resources being used and less waste sent to landfill or incineration. In addition, councils can spend more on public services rather than paying more landfill tax.

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Alongside these benefits, there are financial benefits to reducing food and water waste, as well as energy usage and people are encouraged to share their photos, videos, and stories about their efforts.

All who sign up online will receive a weekly email on how to reduce food, plastic, and textile waste. There will also be information on using energy more efficiently.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has created a map of local shops and businesses that offer waste-free shopping throughout the county.

For more, go to wiltshirewildlife.org/waste-free-february