Reduce Waste INDEX | At Home

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

"Reduce" is perhaps the most important and the most often forgotten of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). Reduction is the most efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally sound way of managing our solid waste. When you avoid making garbage in the first place, you don't have to worry about disposing of waste or recycling it later.

Changing your habits is the key - think about ways you can reduce your waste when you shop, work and play. There's a ton of ways for you to reduce waste, save yourself some time and money, and be good to the Earth at the same time. If we create less waste in the first place we will not have so many problems in dealing with our waste. We can also reduce waste by recycling and reduce toxicity of waste by using less hazardous products.

Here are a few suggestions with links for additional information. These sites will give you a good overview:
* http://www.moea.state.mn.us/campaign/index.html

Reducing Waste at Home:
Reduce Trash When You Shop. Pay attention to what the products you buy are packaged in. Is it recyclable? Is it reusable? Purchase reusable and refillable containers to use in your home instead of disposable items. Look for ways to reduce the amount of trash you throw in the garbage by making good purchasing decisions and looking for ways to reduce.
Example: Avoid buying single-use items like paper or plastic plates, cups and disposable silverware. You will spend more money buying these types of items and throwing them away than you would if you used reusable tableware.
* http://www.moea.state.mn.us/campaign/shopping/index.html
* http://www.epa.gov/oppt/epp

Use the Least Hazardous Cleaning Product
Buy products that are non-toxic, read the labels, and compare products.

Set Up a Home Recycling Center
See Waste Not Tips: What can be Recycled in the Flathead on this website. When we each do our part it makes a world of difference. If you don't already recycle and buy products made from recycled materials, visit this site for Ten Top Reasons to Recycle.
* http://www.nrdc.org/cities/recycling/ften.asp
• Composting

Reduce Junk Mail, Get Off of Junk Mail Lists
Visit these sites for some amazing facts and good tips on how to get started
http://www.reduce.org/jumkmail/
http://www.newdream.org/junkmail/index.php#more 
Contact the Mail Preference Service to get off most national marketing lists at PO Box 643 Carmel, NY 10512-0643
*http://www.dmachoice.org/consumerassistance.php
Call 1-800-5-OPT-OUT to take your name off of credit offer lists. Check out these sites for more information:
* http://dnr.metrokc.gov/swd/resrecy/wasteprevention/junkmail.shtml
* http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs4-junk.htm

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