RECENT letters again highlight waste, and what as individuals we can do to reduce it. The biggest problem for the individual is the pressure put on us by the giant manufacturing companies.

For example, millions has been spent on convincing us that we should only eat limited number of varieties of fruit that fit neatly into the manufacturer's packing machinery, and these packets mostly contain more units than we'd probably need at any one time.

This system has generated huge wealth for supermarkets while forcing farmers to grow more in the expectation of some product rejection; this obviously increases energy and fertiliser costs.

To compound the problem of recycling, local authorities have taken the stand that the collection of recyclable and compostable materials is charged to the household instead of paying for items that regenerate energy, funds or savings.

Although some pressure has been put on manufacturers and retailers in areas such as packaging more needs to be done by the individual.

Whether or not after Brexit there are changes in the way we dispose of national waste, one thing is sure and that is we all should be disgusted by the fact we are relying on foreign countries to clean up after us.

As a final thought, why can I only buy AA batteries in packs of four when I only need two?

When I need the remaining two they have mysteriously disappeared in the sofa or down the back of the dog!

B Jackson, Sacriston