Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

10 Tips (plus a bonus one) for Waste Reduction

During the past 35 years, the amount of waste each person creates has almost doubled from 2.7 to 4.4 pounds per day. The most effective way to stop this trend is by preventing waste in the first place. Families who reduce waste in the home help to protect the environment by saving natural resources, energy, disposal space, costs, and reducing pollution risks.  Creating a smaller demand for products will result in a decrease in production and the amount of waste produced.

HELP TO CUT DOWN AT THE SOURCE!

1. Stop junk mail & unwanted free newspapers.  Have your name and address removed from mailing lists.  Reducing the unwanted "stuff" in your mail box can save you time as well as reduce waste.

2. Online banking and paperless statements.  Most credit card companies and banks will now offer "paperless statements" as a way to reduce waste.  Electronic statements will be sent to you, via e-mail, to be downloaded directly to your personal computer.  On-line bill paying will save you money on stamps and cut down on envelopes.

3. Use e-mails instead of letter and faxes whenever possible.  Send e-cards in place of paper-cards.

4. Take your own travel mug to the coffee shop.  Some shops will offer a discounted price when you provide your own container.

5. Don't use paper products.  Always use re-usable dishes and silverware.  Use cloth napkins and dish-towels instead of paper-towels, and paper-napkins. In the event of buying paper products, always buy recycling products such as tissues, kitchen rolls and toilet rolls.  Buying recycled products helps "close the recycling loop" by putting the materials we collect through recycling programs back to good use as products in the marketplace.

6. Use canvas or net tote bag when you shop.  It eliminates the need for the merchant's disposable paper or plastic bags.

7. Say No to Unnecessary Bags (SNUB).  When buying only a few items, tell the cashier "no thank you, I don't need a bag".

8. Buy in bulk.  Buying products in bulk can save money while reducing waste. Avoid individually wrapped portions.  Don't purchase cases of individual bottles of water or other drinks such as Gatorade, juice, etc.  Purchase larger volumes and use durable re-usable bottles such as "The Nalgene Bottle".

9. Compost everything you can at home and treat your garden to nutritious soils.  When mowing your lawns let cuttings fall; this is called "grass cycling" it will feed the lawn and provide better growth.

10. When you receive items packed in Styrofoam peanuts reuse then or check with your local mailing/shipping stores, they will gladly accept donations.

11.  For Adults: ­ At the pub drink draught beer.  Kegs are refilled and can last for 30 years.