Waste Reduction
What is Waste Reduction? Waste Reduction refers to reducing the amount of waste produced. An example of waste reduction is to use china and silverware instead of disposal paper plates and plastic flatware.
Starting a Waste Reduction Program- The best way to reduce the amount of waste produced is to look at your trash as your throwing it out and ask yourself these questions:
- what do you throw away?
- what materials take up the most space in the trash bag?
- can any items be reused, repaired, or donated?
- can you reduce the number of disposable items used?
- can you substitute products with ones that can be reused or that have recyclable packaging?
Learn what is accepted in your municipal recycling program. Then list the items in your trash that are not recyclable. The next time you go shopping, try to find recyclable alternatives to those items in your trash.
If you have too many left over products, consider giving them to someone else or next time buy fewer of them.
Waste Reduction Ideas
Use both sides of a piece of paper before recycling it.
Cancel subscriptions to any printed magazines or newspapers that don’t get read. Use online versions of
them instead.
Pass on already read books, magazines, and newspapers to friends or coworkers, schools, libraries,
nursing homes, churches, or other charitable organizations.
Buy durable, well-made and/or repairable products.
Use plug-in appliances instead of battery operated ones. Single use or even rechargeable batteries can
end up in the landfill.
Buy electronic razors or razors with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors. Two billion
disposable razors are bought in the US every year. (http://www.eco-action.net/pollution.html)
Use a sponge or dishcloth instead of a paper towel to clean up a spill
Buy the largest-size food packages that you can use without spoilage
Avoid using plastic bags for produce purchases. Simply place produce loose in your cart or basket
Use re-useable bags to transport items from the store to home (i.e. canvas bags)
Consider contacting the manufacturer if your favorite brands have excessive packaging and express
your concern about reducing waste
Borrow, rent or share items that are used infrequently instead of buying them.
Reduce the amount of mail you receive or send
Don’t sign up for information you really do not want.
Remove your name from mailing lists. Contact the individual company directly or
visit the websites below for more information.
Use emails and e-cards instead of letters and cards.
Consider going paperless and get your bills and statements online or via email.
Research products online instead of using catalogs and consider ordering over the phone or online
instead of through the mail.
Read newspapers and magazines online or at a library instead of having them delivered.
Click here to download "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refuse, a program that works for all"