In the United States, the average person produces about 5 pounds of trash EVERY DAY!
Waste reduction is the first step to creating a cleaner, healthier environment.
Here are some easy ways that you can reduce waste …
Reduce your use of disposable items and choose reusable materials.
Single use plastics are some of the most significant contributors to waste in our environment, but there are many sustainable alternatives. Try swapping your plastic straw for a stainless steel straw, your plastic water bottle for a glass water bottle and your plastic grocery bags for fabric bags.
Use products that are made of recovered materials.
Use products that are recyclable.
Reduce food waste by mindfully purchasing perishable foods and donating unwanted food to local food banks or charities. Learn more about reducing food waste HERE.
Explore composting as a means to reduce food waste.
Learn more about composting HERE.
Interested in a local composting service?
Learn more HERE from our friends at Organic Life Amendments.
Donate unwanted items such as gently used clothing and furniture to local charities.
Reuse or repair gently worn items, when possible, instead of buying new items.
Upcycle materials, when possible.
Encourage local businesses to choose sustainable options that reduce waste. For instance, you could advocate for local restaurants to use recyclable food containers instead of Styrofoam containers and to provide straws only upon request.
Encourage your municipal government to invest in programs and projects that manage waste. For instance, encourage your city’s solid waste department to host recycling drives and litter sweeps. Or, advocate for more trash cans in public places to reduce littering.