Sustainability Challenge - September 2026

💚 Waste Less, Live More

As we move into autumn, September is the perfect time to think about the resources we use every day. This month focuses on reducing waste, recycling correctly, repairing items instead of replacing them and making sustainable choices that are good for both the planet and our wallets.

♻️ Zero Waste Week

This annual campaign encourages us all to rethink what we throw away and make simple swaps that reduce waste.

How you can get involved

• Plan meals to reduce food waste.
• Compost food scraps where possible.
• Choose products with less packaging.
• Carry reusable shopping bags, bottles and coffee cups.

💡Interesting fact

The average UK household throws away around £1,000 worth of food every year, much of which could have been eaten.

♻️ Recycle Week

Recycling correctly helps valuable materials stay in use for longer and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill.

How you can get involved

• Check what can and can't be recycled in your local area.
• Rinse food containers before recycling.
• Recycle batteries and electrical items at dedicated collection points.
• Help friends, family or neighbours recycle more confidently

💡Interesting fact

Recycling one aluminium can saves enough energy to power a television for around three hours..

🛠️ Reuse & Repair

Before replacing something, ask yourself whether it could be repaired, reused or donated instead.

How you can get involved

• Mend clothing.
• Repair household items.
• Donate unwanted belongings.
• Upcycle old furniture or decorations.
• Organise a swap with neighbours.

💡Interesting fact

Extending the life of clothes by just nine months can significantly reduce their carbon, water and waste footprint.

🚗 World Car Free Day (22 September)

Small changes to how we travel can improve air quality and reduce emissions.

How you can get involved

• Walk or cycle short journeys.
• Use public transport where possible.
• Car share with friends or colleagues.
• Leave the car at home for one day.

💡Interesting fact

Replacing just one short car journey each week with walking could save around 100kg of carbon emissions each year.

👥 World Clean-up Day

Join millions of people around the world taking action to remove litter and protect local environments.

How you can get involved

• Organise or join a community litter pick.
• Tidy shared outdoor spaces.
• Encourage neighbours to get involved.
• Share before and after photos of your efforts.

💡Interesting fact

World Clean-up Day brings together volunteers in over 190 countries, making it one of the world's biggest civic action campaigns.

💚 Build Sustainable Habits

Sustainability isn't about being perfect—it's about making small changes that become lasting habits.

This month, challenge yourself to choose three new sustainable habits that you can continue throughout the year, whether that's carrying a reusable bottle, walking more often, reducing food waste or repairing items before replacing them.

💡Interesting fact

Research shows that repeating a simple action regularly makes it far more likely to become a long-term habit, helping positive changes stick.

💬 How to Take Part

Tell us how you’ve taken action this month. Share photos, tips, or reflections on Engage or email engagement@sng.org.uk.

Everyone who takes part will be entered into a £20 voucher prize draw, and our favourite story or photo will receive a £25 voucher.