Make your first step to sustainability

Herefordshire residents are being urged not to make 2008 a 'rubbish' year but instead make a resolution, one step, that will really make a difference to their own and other people's lives.

As part of Herefordshire Council's Steps to Sustainability campaign, residents are being urged to cut down the amount of waste they produce.

Everyone can minimise their waste very simply by refusing excess packaging, preventing junk mail and of course re-using, recycling and composting. We also tend to 'overbuy', particularly food, where it has been estimated that about one third of food purchased actually ends up in the bin!

There are many more specific ways people can cut down waste and over the few months Herefordshire Council will be encouraging people to do this, and look at other issues that impact on the environment, the economy and health and well being.

The 'Steps to Sustainability' simple guide, available from the website and in leaflet form from Info Shops and council offices from the end of January, illustrates what the council is committed to doing to promote sustainability and tackle climate change.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing said: "Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. It is embedded in the way we conduct our business and in our efforts to encourage others to adopt behaviours and actions that will also help.

"We are hoping that by reading the 'steps' guide people will identify what they can do to make a difference, and work with us to tackle some of the dilemmas that face society today," he added.

The council is currently reviewing its household waste strategy and will be consulting with householders over the next few months. For more information contact: the Sustainability Unit on 01432 261930 or email gem@herefordshire.gov.uk