Wildlife trust's waste-saving challenge

People in Swindon and the rest of Wiltshire are being called on to take up the Waste Free Feb challenge.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust says that last year's saw over 250 people save four tonnes of rubbish from going in their bins.

The aim of the challenge, now in its fifth year, is to try to produce as little rubbish as possible and instead reduce, reuse, recycle and compost more.

People taking part are encouraged to set their own timeframe and goal for reducing, with some choosing to throw away no more than one carrier bag’s worth of waste over a week and others aiming to throw away less than a black bag’s worth over the whole of February. 

A trust spokesperson said: "Some enthusiastic participants are aiming to fill no more than a jam jar for the month!

"However much they reduce, people taking part in the challenge are encouraged to share photos, videos and stories about their efforts to encourage others to join them in reducing their waste during February and beyond.

"The average Wiltshire household currently produces almost half a tonne of waste a year, not including what is thrown away when people are out and about. 

"There are huge positive environmental impacts to producing less waste, including a reduction in resources being used as raw materials, less waste sent to landfill and incineration, and local councils being able to spend more on public services instead of paying as much landfill tax.

"By reducing your waste this February, you can learn to live a sustainable lifestyle and tackle the ecological and climate emergencies we face."

People can sign up for the Waste Free Feb challenge and find out more about how to reduce their waste at wiltshirewildlife.org/waste-free-february