Waste Reduction
Reducing waste is something everyone can do in your home, at work, at school, and in your community. By choosing to reduce and reuse before disposing, you help conserve resources, lower disposal costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and extend the life of everyday items. Simple steps in your daily life can make a real difference.
Everyday Ways to Reduce Waste
Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference for our environment. By refusing what we don’t need, reducing what we use, reusing items, recycling correctly, and composting food scraps, we can cut down on waste, conserve natural resources, and support a healthier community.
Refuse
- Say no to single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, and shopping bags.
- Decline freebies or promotional items you don’t actually need.
- Avoid excess packaging by choosing loose produce or bulk items.
Reduce
- Prioritize source reduction: Buy less, choose reusable or rechargeable items, and avoid single-use products.
- Opt for concentrated products, refillable bottles, or bar soaps.
- Plan meals to reduce food waste and unnecessary trips to the store.
- Limit hazardous materials by choosing safer, non-toxic alternatives (for example, vinegar for cleaning glass or baking soda and vinegar for clearing drains).
Reuse
- Repurpose items (for example, turn old clothes into cleaning rags).
- Use durable dishware, cloth napkins, and washable scrubbers.
- Repair tools, furniture, or electronics instead of discarding them.
- Donate or sell gently used goods.
- Shop secondhand whenever possible.
Recycle
- Follow local recycling guidelines to avoid contamination.
- Share knowledge: Teach family, neighbors, and coworkers about proper recycling.
- Get involved: Participate in community cleanups and local campaigns.
- Support smarter packaging: Encourage businesses and policies that reduce excess packaging.
- Buy recycled: Choose products made from recycled materials whenever possible.
Rot (Compost)
- Collect food scraps and yard waste for composting instead of throwing them away.
- Freeze leftovers for later or share extra food when possible.
- Use backyard compost bins or drop off at local compost collection sites.
At School, Work, and On the Go
- Use digital tools instead of printing whenever possible.
- Bring your own water bottle, coffee cup, and utensils.
- Pack meals in reusable containers.
- Support and encourage recycling programs in offices, break rooms, schools, and businesses.
The Big Impact of Small Waste Reduction Choices
When residents cut down on what goes to landfills and recycle more, the benefits go far beyond just taking out less trash.
- Conserve energy and natural resources: Recycling and reusing items means fewer raw materials must be mined, harvested, or manufactured, which saves energy and reduces strain on the environment.
- Reduce pollution: Less waste sent to landfills and incinerators means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less air pollution, and reduced risk of soil and water contamination from waste processing and disposal.
- Extend product life: Repairing, reusing, and repurposing keeps materials in circulation longer. This helps delay the need for new production and maximizes the value of the items we already have.
- Save money: Choosing reusable products and buying in bulk can lower costs for households. Residents may also reduce expenses for trash services and packaging while finding savings in secondhand and recycled goods.
- Strengthen community health: Cleaner neighborhoods, parks, and waterways create safer spaces for families, while responsible disposal of hazardous materials protects drinking water and reduces exposure to toxins.
- Build a sustainable future: Waste reduction efforts today help ensure that future generations inherit a healthier, more resilient environment and a stronger local economy.