Give it a Grow"" – that's the message being sent out next week to mark the tenth annual Compost Awareness Week, which runs from May 2-8.

Give it a Grow" - that's the message being sent out next week to mark the tenth annual Compost Awareness Week, which runs from May 2-8.

Don't let Devon go to waste and the Recycle Now campaign have teamed up to encourage everyone to get composting - and do their bit for the environment.

Anyone with outside space can compost at home - whether it is a garden or a patio.

Wormeries are ideal for people who don't produce garden waste or have limited outdoor space. Small amounts of garden waste can go into a wormery, together with some cooked food scraps.

For those already composting, you can always think about additional things such as egg shells, tea bags or even coffee grounds and filter paper.

Homemade compost can be used to enrich borders or to give potted plants and containers an extra boost.

There is often a belief that vegetable peelings or garden waste is harmless, but in a landfill tip they can cause powerful greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Regulatory Services, said: "This Compost Awareness Week, why not give composting a go? Even those of us who are already composting at home could compost more things more often, or try new things, such as greener, peat free composts.

"However you choose to get involved, there are plenty of new things you can try, which will not only help the environment but also help your garden grow."

Don't let Devon go to waste' is a county wide multi-faceted communications campaign which represents a partnership of 11 authorities across Devon including Devon County Council, eight district authorities and two unitary authorities. The campaign commenced in October 2002 with funding and full support from the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) when an all-embracing study of waste arising and public attitudes in conjunction with an advertising and public relations campaign resulted in a step change in attitudes to waste and levels of recycling in Devon.

Other waste reduction and reuse tips:

Use a reusable shopping bag

Choose goods with less packaging

Reduce food waste and save money by only buying what you need, cooking the right amount and using up leftovers

Buy non-perishables in bulk

Cut down on addressed junk mail by registering with the Mailing Preference Service at www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr or calling the information line on 0845 703 4599

Cut down on unaddressed junk mail by writing to: Royal Mail, Door to Door, Business Customer Services Team, Kingsmead House, Oxpens Road, Oxford, OX1 1RX or e-mail optout@royalmail.com

Drink tap water rather than buying bottled

Subscribe to a vegetable box delivery scheme

Buy groceries from local shops and or/farmers markets

Take larger household items to your local Recycling Centre or Furniture Group

Use rechargeable batteries

Take unwanted clothing or smaller items to charity shops

Use reusable nappies instead of disposables

Help to reduce and reuse waste at work or at school

To recycle more of your waste you could:

Check if you are recycling all the materials that are collected from your home

Remember to recycle your glass jars such as jam, marmalade and pasta jars

Check the bathroom for items that can be recycled too such as shampoo and shower gel bottles

Remember you can take bottles, paper, cans and clothing to your nearest recycling bank

Start or take part in a recycling scheme where you work or at school