Reducing, Reusing, Recycling

 

Reducing, Reusing, Recycling

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   Be a mindful consumer to reduce your extra waste. Before making a purchase, ask yourself how your purchase will impact other people and the natural environment. This can be as simple as buying an entire jar of peanut butter, rather than individual servings; or as complicated as deciding the most environmentally-friendly car to buy. But don’t stress—start small.^[13]

   • In general, avoid purchasing products with excess packaging. Oftentimes, food companies expend just as much energy creating the packaging for food products as is expended in producing the actual food.^[14]
   • Don't buy what you don’t need.
   • Buy for durability. For items you do buy, look for things which will last a lifetime. Search "buy it for life" to find forums and recommendations for durable products.
   • Borrow or rent items you need only for brief or occasional use.
   • Buy secondhand clothes and household items from thrift stores, consignment shops, and private sellers when you can.
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   Use reusable items whenever possible to limit the trash in landfills. While disposable items are super convenient, anything made to only use one time and throw away should be avoided. Not only do they create more environmental waste, they end up costing you more money in the long run.^[15]

   • Opt to use your own reusable shopping bags instead of the plastic bags provided by the store.
   • It may mean more clean up, but try using your regular cups, plates, and utensils at your next birthday party or event.
   • Most tap water in developed countries is safe to drink, which means that buying bottled water is unnecessary. Buy a glass or metal bottle and fill it with water.
   • Next time you need batteries, get rechargeable ones instead of disposable. Most batteries can now be thrown out with the regular trash—thanks to a reduction in chemical use—however, they still take up space in landfills. ^[16]
   • If you're menstruating, consider using a reusable menstrual cup, such as the Diva Cup, rather than pads and tampons. These cups are easy to insert inside your vagina, just like a tampon, where they collect your menstrual fluids for hours at a time.
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   Donate your old household items so someone else can reuse them. Don’t just throw your old stuff in the trash. Consider selling it or giving it away to someone who can use it. Donate clothes and household items that are in good condition to a charity or non-profit organization like a school or a church.

   • Craigslist.org is a useful resource for buying, selling, and giving away used items locally.
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   Turn useless junk into something fun and cute, or fresh and funky. Upcycling is fun and good for the earth. Instead of throwing things away, give them another purpose by making jewelry, household accessories, or restyled clothing.^[17]

   • For instance, you can turn an old T-shirt into a grocery bag, or use cinder blocks to make outdoor planters or bookshelves.
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   Use paper products made of 80-100% recycled paper. If the product states that it has a high post-consumer content, that’s even better. Even when you are using recycled materials, be reasonable. Use only as much toilet paper, napkins, and paper towels as you need to get the job done.^[18]

   • The very best option would be to use a washable cloth or sponge for most of your cleanup.
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   Recycle to lower the amount of environmental waste you produce. Aim to recycle clothes, glass, metal, plastic, and paper as you can. If your area offers curbside recycling, use it. If your area doesn’t offer curbside service, or if you have items not accepted for the regular service, take a special trip to a recycling center that is convenient for you.^[19]

   • Check the rules and regulations in your area to ensure you are recycling properly. For instance, some areas may not accept glass and some places may require you to separate your materials.
   • If you are required to separate your materials beforehand, get your children involved if you have them. Children often enjoy separating items and this teaches them to be environmentally conscious as well.^[20]
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   Dispose of hazardous waste properly. Many materials including fluorescent light bulbs, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, automotive fluids, paint, and e-waste (most anything with batteries or a plug) require special disposal. These items should never be thrown away in a landfill, sanitary sewer, or storm drain.^[21]

   • Do not use helium to inflate party balloons. Fill balloons with regular air and then hang them appropriately. Teach children (ages 8 and up) to blow up their own balloons, as they usually will find this to be more fun than using helium. Always pop balloons before throwing them away.
   • Contact your local waste management office for proper disposal options.