Reduce, Recycle and Reuse; Other Ways to Reduce

A recent publication by the American Forest and Paper Association showed that “Recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduce litter and save landfill space. Fortunately Americans recycle much more paper than we send to landfills.”

Over the past few years, recycling has been increasing. In 1997, nearly 61 million tons of material did not end up in a landfill but was instead recycled. However, the act of recycling is just part of the entire recycling process.

Remember, just because you throw something away doesn’t mean it has gone away. You have just moved it to a different location!

The best way to avoid trashing hazardous waste is to reduce your use of those items or avoid using them. Non-toxic chemicals (see indoor toxic environments) not only reduce the contamination of land, water, and air but also create a healthy living environment for you and your family at home.

If you have to dispose of hazardous waste, check with your local city for hazardous waste collection programs.

• Turn off the lights when you leave a room
• Always remember to turn off the television and computer when you are not using them
• Open the curtains or blinds in your home to let the daylight in, then you don’t need to turn the lights on
• Use lower-watt high efficiency light bulbs
• Install low flow showerheads
• Take 3-5 minute showers
• Turn off the water when you are brushing your teeth
• Use both sides of the paper
• Refuse store bags — bring your own!

Did you know that when you dispose of your lunch trash you create between 4–8 ounces of garbage every day? That can add up to as much as 100 pounds per year!

By reducing your use of trash materials you prevent additional materials from ending up in landfills, but by REUSING materials you stop the trash cycle all together.

Here’s how you can pack a no-waste lunch for work or school:

• Use a lunch box or reusable sack
• Pack a cloth napkin and reusable utensils
• Put food in reusable food and drink containers