Reduce waste from entering your home. Ask yourself questions like:
- “Do I actually need this item?”
- “Do I already own something similar?”
- “Can I borrow this instead of buying new?”
- “Is this item recyclable, or made from recycled material?”
- “Is this a high-quality product that will last a long time?”
- “Can this be electronic or paperless?”
Start simple by trying these ideas:
Choose experiences over stuff. Spending time or money on experiences is often more rewarding and enjoyable than purchasing an item. Create memories, not waste!
Pay attention to packaging. When you do purchase items, opt for items with minimal packaging, made from recycled materials, or packaged in something reusable or recyclable.
Bring your own. Swap out single-use items when possible, like grocery bags, coffee mugs, or durable containers. Check with your local retailers for options, discounts and rewards for bringing your own!
Stop junk mail. If you receive flyers, catalogs, or other junk mail that you’d rather not, use a service like Catalog Choice to stop unwanted junk mail. Or, contact organizations directly and ask to be taken off their mailing list.
Say “no thank you” to single-use giveaways. Free giveaways from vendors at events, festivals, and celebrations can really pile up over time. Think about saying “no thank you” to freebees and giveaways if you don’t actually have a use for the item. If you’re organizing an event, consider giveaways that are more sustainable like reusable utensils, bags, or straws.