Ideas for Waste Prevention
Preventing waste is easy! Use these waste-reducing ideas to jump-start your efforts.
Smart Shopping
- Pack lunches in reusable containers to reduce waste and save money.
- Set your place - keep a set of cutlery, cloth napkin, and drink glass at work to eliminate using disposable, to-go materials.
- Bring a reusable cup or mug to coffee shops for beverages to avoid disposable cups.
- Buy in bulk whenever possible; remember to take your own bag or container when shopping.
- Use a cloth bag when you shop. Many grocers sell these for less than $1.00 or you can sign a pledge and get one free!
- Purchase quality used items such as furniture, clothing, sports equipment, toys and books at second-hand stores, garage sales, and through classified ads.
- Repair broken or damaged items rather than replacing them.
- If you insist on purchasing items new, invest your funds in well-made goods that will last for many decades, rather than spending the same amount to replace a lesser quality item many times.
- Choose products with minimal packaging or packaging that can be reused or recycled easily. Learn more ideas by linking to the Gift Resources page.
Home/School/Office
- Use the blank sides of scrap paper for notes and lists before recycling the paper.
- Reduce your unwanted junk mail! Request a Metro Junk Mail kit today.
- Borrow books from the library or buy them used rather than purchasing new.
- Opt-out of automatic deliveries of phone books, catalogs, and more!
Return to Nature
- Compost leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps (no meat or dairy) in a home compost pile.
- Use the compost to improve your garden or to feed house plants.
- Request a “Composting is Easy” booklet today to get started.
Donate for Reuse
- Donate items you can no longer use to a nonprofit group or thrift store.
- Donate leftover food from your favorite restaurant or caterer to the Fork it Over! program and help feed the hungry in the community.
Other Resources
