Waste Reduction

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Waste Reduction

Recycling Emblem Waste reduction means consuming and throwing away less. Some times it's also called source reduction or waste prevention. Waste reduction actually prevents the generation of waste in the first place, it is the most preferable method of waste management, and it goes a long way toward protecting the environment.

Waste reduction can conserve resources, reduce pollution and help cut waste disposal cost.

Tips for Reducing Solid Waste:

Reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging.
Adopt practices that reduce waste toxicity.
Consider reusable products.
Maintain and repair durable products.
Reuse bags, containers, and other items.
Borrow, rent, or share items used infrequently.
Sell or donate goods instead of throwing them out.
Choose recyclable products and containers and recycle them.
Select products made from recycled materials.
Compost yard trimmings and some food scraps.
Educate others on source reduction and recycling practices. Make your preferences known to manufacturers, merchants, and community leaders.
Be creative -- find new ways to reduce waste quantity and toxicity.

Adapted from Environmental Protection Agency's "The Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste."

Facts

Since 1977, the weight of 2-liter plastic soft drink bottles has been reduced from 68 to 51 grams each. That means that 250 million pounds of plastic per year has been prevented from becoming part of the waste stream.

When McDonald's reduced its napkin size by 1 inch, the company prevented 12 million pounds of paper from being thrown away each year. In 1999, McDonald's switched to lighter weight packaging for two of their sandwiches, conserving 3,200 tons of boxboard containers.

State Farm Auto Insurance converted to electronic cameras for their claims processing, saving more than 50 tons of instant and 35mm film.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

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