Tips

There are many ways to reduce waste. Here are a few simple ideas designed to help. Please feel free to contact us with any more suggestions you may have about waste reduction.

• Be a waste-conscious shopper. Careful buying will save you money on the products and disposal costs.
• Avoid disposable products.
• Bring your own container that can be refilled.
• Give surplus paint, either oil-based or latex (lead-free), to local theater groups, housing services, or other non-profits.
• Have a garage or yard sale.
• Remove your name from junk mail lists.
• Practice grasscycling by leaving grass clippings on your lawn.
• Purchase, maintain, and repir durable items.
• Buy things for longevity and usefulness.
• Share magazine or newspaper subscriptions with friends, co-workers, day-care centers, or doctor's offices.
• Wrap gifts in reusable fabric or handmade cloth bags or do not wrap them at all.
• Avoid packaging and bring your own bags to the store.
• Donate materials you no longer want or need. Consult the ReDirectory for outlets for unwanted goods.
• Borrow, share or rent equipment and other items you rarely use.

Fun Facts

• During the past 35 years, waste generation in the United States has increased from 2.7 to 4.4 pounds per person per day. Through waste reduction, you can help reduce this number!
• About 33% of everything that we throw away is packaging.
• The average American uses the equivalent of a 100-ft high, 16-in wide tree worth of paper each year!