As the New Year begins, Bedford Borough Council has pledged to support Keep Britain Tidy’s new campaign, Buy Nothing New Month, in a bid to encourage residents across Bedford Borough to live more sustainably and consider the effects of their spending habits on the planet.

The campaign challenges people to prevent and reduce the waste they generate by buying nothing new for one month, and to make the use of the things they already have, such as by repairing, upcycling, reusing or donating things they no longer want or need.

As a local authority we recognise that people are still feeling the effects of the cost-of-living crisis and that many are concerned about climate change and want to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Buy Nothing New Month aims to move people up the waste hierarchy, encouraging people to prioritise other measures above recycling waste, such as preventing it in the first place, and reducing items that could become waste – while also saving money.

Now in its second year Buy Nothing New Month takes place from 1 to 31 January, 2024.

How to get involved

We are encouraging residents to sign up to the campaign to receive free weekly e-mails containing handy tips, and a free digital free resources pack. Please register at keepbritaintidy.org/bnnm

Thank you in advance for your support!

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

Reducing what you waste and reusing items as much as possible can not only save you pennies but help the environment too!

Find some simple ways to reduce, reuse and recycle more all year round on our Reduce, reuse, recycle webpage.

Recycle Now also have some great ideas on small changes we can make every day which can create a big difference!