WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE:  REDUCE, REFUSE, REUSE, RECYCLE, REMOVE

 

  • Buy products in bulk or with less packaging.

 

  • Buy and use reusable or compostable over disposable items i.e. real silverware that you reuse instead of disposable silverware, cloth napkins over paper napkins, compostable products over throw away or plastic recyclable products.

 

  • Borrow, rent or share items like party decorations, tools, baby clothes, books.

 

  • Bring your own cup to work or coffee shop instead of using a disposable cup. 

 

  • Bring your own reusable or compostable take-out container for meal left-overs from restaurants instead of using their Styrofoam take-out.

 

  • Bring your own reusable bag to the store or compostable bag for produce rather than plastic bag.

 

  • Repair products rather than throw away and buy new.

 

  • Donate belongings or left-over food to nonprofits like the food shelf, church, thrift store, community center, school. The Good Samaritan Law exempts you from liability if you give left-over food to nonprofits like CADA house or the Salvation Army.

 

  • Recycle and compost to reduce trash for things you can’t give away.

 

  • Tell restaurants and businesses no thank you to straws, plastic bags, utensils and other giveaways you don’t need. 

 

  • Buy products to last even if they cost a little more than low quality products that wear out quickly.