Consider the products and packaging you're using and eliminate any extra waste beforehand. Also, use recyclable products. Here are some simple things to do:
- Don't take bags when making a small purchase
- Use a reusable bag when shopping, not plastic or paper
- Look for containers that can be reused or at least recycled (glass and aluminum). Reusable containers are an even better way of recycling.
- Don't buy single use, throw-away products (such as razors, plastic utensils, paper plates, etc.) Look for ones that can be reused
- Buy fruits and vegetables, grains, pastas and any loose items without packaging (especially avoid styrofoam and plastic packaging)
- Don't buy plastic.
- If it is possible, find dairies that refill milk containers in a reusable bottle. Likewise other items can be purchased in refillable bulk containers. Try eco-minded health food stores.
- Avoid the "aseptic drink box" made of layers of paper, plastic and aluminum - it cannot be recycled. Instead use drink containers that are reusable or at least recycled.
- sponges or rags over paper towels
- reusable razors over disposable shavers
- coffee mugs over paper or plastic cups
- washable plates over paper
- cloth napkins over paper
- cloth diapers over disposable
- handkerchief over tissues
- Choose concentrated juice, laundry soap and cleaners (reduce waste, and save money)
- Purchase dry foods in bulk (health food stores have bulk bins great for beans, pasta, grains, et.) or else buy the larger sizes of products to reduce the packaging waste. When you are shopping in bulk - bring your own containers / bags and continue to reuse them.
- Purchase in bulk whenever possible
- Use both sides of paper when copying and writing
- Share magazines and newspapers with friends or donate your already read ones to hospitals, doctors offices, or community places.
- Use common sense and your imagination... all paper / junk mail, etc. can be used as note paper. Look for organizations that will accept used paper and organize a collection system in your school or workplace.
- Remember though that re-using is preferable to recycling.
- Create a demand for recycled paper by using recycled printing and writing paper. Support local recycling efforts. Find out how much secondary (waste) fiber it contains vs. how much was derived from post-consumer waste paper, also whether the paper is de-inked, bleached or dyed.
- Cancel unnecessary magazine subscriptions.
- Stop junk mail. To have your name removed from mailing lists write to Direct Marketing Service / 11 West 42nd Street / PO Box 3861 / NY NY 10163
- Phone books can be recycled with newsprint
- Cardboard boxes: flatten them and tie them up. Some recycling centers accept them, if not try grocery chains who have bailers and reclaim all cardboard. (NYC now has curbside collection for cardboard)
- Brown paper bags can be recycled with corrugated cardboard.
- Take advantage of libraries.
