Reduce Waste Before It Starts!

Waste prevention (or source reduction) means eliminating waste before it's created by purchasing products with less packaging, reusing goods instead of throwing them away, using up products completely and eliminating waste whenever possible. Waste prevention saves resources, promotes efficiency, reduces pollution and may even save money.

A few ways to stop waste at the start:

Compost yard waste and kitchen scraps

Buy reusable rather than disposable products

Bring a shopping bag to the store

Buy in bulk when possible

Avoid individually wrapped or single-serving products

Choose products with refillable or reusable containers

Buy fresh produce without packaging

Send e-mail instead of paper memos

Another way to reduce waste is to limit the amount of junk mail you receive. Reduce advertising mail by writing to:

Direct Marketing Association
Mail Preferences Service
P.O. Box 3861
New York, NY 10163-3861

Ask that your name be removed from mailing lists. Include all versions of your name and address.

For more information about reducing junk mail, click here.

For more ideas on waste prevention, check out Waste Prevention World