Zero Waste City Guide
London
In this guide to living zero waste in London we try to tackle the most common barriers to zero waste living. The interactive map will help you see what’s around you and the rest of the guide is meant to help you get a head start on your zero waste life in London.
Contents
Getting Started
Your Zero Waste Survival Kit…
There are a few things you can take with you that will open us a lot of zero waste options. These are just suggestions so feel free to customize your zero waste survival kit to fit your needs
Do your best not to make any new purchases while putting together your kit. For example you probably have cutlery at home you can bring along instead of buying a new “to-go” set. Most of these things you can find at home or at a second hand shop. Some of them you can even make!
Tupperware or Food Container
Essential for to-go food or getting things from a deli counter.
Reusable Bag
Comes in very handy, especially if you come across an unexpected zero waste store!
Cloth Napkin
Replaces tisssue and paper napkins, can be used as a food container in a pinch.
Reusable Cutlery
For eating on the go, or if a restaurant is using disposable cutlery.
Cup or Mug
If you need a drink while out and about.
Composting
47% of England’s Municipal Waste Is Biodegradable
Aside from not buying new things, making sure your food scraps get composted is likely the very best thing you can do to reduce your personal waste footprint. Here’s how to get composting in London:
See if your council collects compost
Check on London Recycles to see if you can get curbside pickup in your area. If you Can’t get access we’ll help connect you to the proper resources to request pickup.
Find a community compost or farmer
If your council won’t pick up your food waste you can have a look at community gardens near you to see if they’ll accept household scraps. Beyond that we’ve also found that some farmers at markets will take bags of compost.
Start your own compost
Learn to start a compost or a balcony pot from the Royal Horticultural Society
How do I transport compost?
We’ve found that if you need to keep compost in your home it’s best to freeze it in a bag. That also makes it easier to manage when you’re transporting it to your nearest compost.
Grocery Shopping
Build your zero waste shopping routine…
Food is where you will find the most friction when trying to reduce waste.
Get What YOu Can Close to home
Go to the store you tend to shop at and do a completely zero waste shopping trip. That way you know what you can reliably get without changeing routine.
Find a great bulk Store
For the things you can’t get at your usual store you’ll need to find a specialty store that fills the gaps. The Source is a good option in London, if you have one near you.
Build in a Trip To The Market
If you can find a market close to home, or somewhere you visit often, it’s great to build a routine around market days. E.g. every Saturday go to the park for a walk and pick up food from the market on the way home.
Zero Waste Food Delivery
The People’s Pantry is a zero-waste refill service for the N2, N3, N8, N10, N11, N13 and N22 community.
Milk & More delivery service
Did you know you can get milk delivered in refillable bottles? Visit Milk & More to see if you’re in their delivery zone.
Save food from going to landfill
Olio allows you to list and pick up excess food from your neighbors and TooGoodToGo lets you buy leftovers from restaurants.