Happy Earth Day
Find easy, everyday waste reduction tips for home, work and school, here! Waste reduction begins with you.
If not you, then who?
It’s no wonder “Reduce” is the first of the 3Rs. Waste reduction is the cheapest and most simple way to prevent garbage from piling up in landfills. Waste reduction also saves money and conserves the resources and raw materials that go into making new items.
Waste reduction means buying only what you need and making smarter choices about what you buy, such as environmentally friendly products, items that use recyclable materials, are produced locally, are packaged responsibly and can be reused or recycled.
Making just a few personal changes can help the environment
Everyday waste reduction tips
- Carry reusable cloth bags when shopping
- Use a travel mug for beverages on the go
- Home compost your garden and kitchen waste
- Avoid purchasing disposable products
- Donate clothing, furniture and other items that can be used by someone else
- Take a ‘litterless’ lunch
- Use glass or plastic containers for food leftovers
- Avoid products with excess packaging and buy in bulk
Please remember: each of us has tremendous personal power to reduce the amount of waste generated. It’s time to do our part and make a difference. If not you, then who?
Looking for more waste reduction tips?
Waste reduction at home
- Before you replace something old with something new, attempt to have it repaired. This could save you some money as well as reduce waste.
- Use a refillable mug for coffee or other beverages on the go.
- Purchase items in bulk whenever possible… bring your own containers to the bulk store if possible.
- Buy products that will last; make durability, not price, your primary purchasing decision-making factor.
- Instead of buying new toys or tools, try sharing with friends.
- Re-upholster worn out furniture instead of buying new – often the frame will far outlast the upholstery.
- Buy products made from recycled materials whenever possible – sometimes these products cost less, making the choice even easier.
- When faced with two similar products of different brands, choose the product with the least amount of packaging.
- Avoid purchasing disposable products – re-usable products are better for the environment, and will save you money in the long run.
- Avoid buying single serving or over-packaged foods – there is always an alternative with less packaging (and likely more nutritious).
- Whenever possible choose products that are sold in re-fillable or recyclable containers.
- Consider purchasing used goods before purchasing new; this is a great re-use and cost-saving option for the consumer.
- Use your imagination! Thinking of new ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce can be fun and creative.
- Try giving an item a “new life” by using it in an innovative way such as peanut butter jars for storing nuts and bolts or comic strips or colourful paper for gift wrap.
- If you have an item that you no longer need but is still in usable condition, consider using the take it back directory.
City of Guelph Waste Reduction
