Reducing Your Consumption

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are the three methods of reducing waste. Reduce is the most important of the three, because it eliminates waste  before it is even created.  It involves "precycling" -- or thinking about how much waste a product will create BEFORE you buy it.     

Packaging makes up 1/3 of the average household's garbage.
Packaging accounts for approximately 13% of the price you pay for food.

Shop Smart! Keep these suggestions in mind when you go to the store.  Good purchasing decisions not only help the environment, but can reduce your household garbage considerably:

Choose Products with Minimum Packaging

	Avoid buying goods that are over-packaged (excess bags, boxes and wrappers).
	Buy foods in large sizes or bulk instead of single serving.  You can always place food into smaller, durable containers at home. Bring your own bags when you shop, or carry out small purchases without a bag.
	Fresh produce is a winner with little or no packaging, and can be composted.
	Reduce waste during the holiday season by giving experience-related gifts like certificates to movies, plays, restaurants and sporting events. Charitable donations also make great gifts. Click here for more waste-free ideas.

Tips for Buying Recyclable Packaging

	Paper bags, cardboard boxes, aluminum and tin cans, and glass bottles are all recyclable. Choose them when you shop.
	Avoid buying plastic items or packaging that you know are not recyclable in your area.
	Remember: The more elaborate the packaging, the less likely it's recyclable.
	Avoid packaging made with two or more different materials, such as juice containers made of a paper laminated with plastic or foil. These mixed-material packages are not recyclable.

Speak Up!
  

	Let store managers know your view on products with excessive packaging. Remember, your business is important to them.
	Encourage stores to sell unpackaged merchandise. Let them know you won't buy products with unnecessary packaging.
	Contact manufacturers and let then know your preference for less packaging. If you choose one product over another on the basis of packaging, write to the manufacturer and let them know why you bought a competitor's product.

Buy Durable, Long-Wearing Products 

	Whenever possible, buy refillable or reusable containers (razors, cigarette lighters, sponges, rechargeable batteries, thermos bottles). Avoid containers that can only be thrown away
	Purchase high-quality, durable items rather than disposable items. The cost may be higher initially, but in the long run you can save money. Get the longest warranty with the best repair service possible.
	Regular maintenance and repair lengthens the life of products such as tools, appliances and shoes. Repair services can be found in the Yellow Pages, usually near the listings for the sales of the items.
	Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. These may include directions for cleaning, operating and routine adjustments.

Borrow or Rent Items You Use Infrequently

You’d be amazed what you can rent these days.  Items listed for rent in the Yellow Pages include appliances, audio-visual equipment, office furniture, party items, baby furniture, and medical equipment.
  

	Using rental shops saves you the burden of buying, storing and maintaining goods and equipment .
	Renting or borrowing an item will help you decide if you need or want one of your own. It will also give you time to find the model that best suited to your needs.
	Share rental costs with neighbors for items such as power washers, chippers or other equipment.

Avoid Impulse Buying

	Impulse buys are often unnecessary and contribute to household waste.
	Use your budget to record your income and identify what you really need. Use a shopping list to stay on track.
	Read consumer magazines and contact consumer organizations before making major purchases.

Waste Reduction Tips for the Home or Office

	Remove your name from junk mail lists.
	Print double sided.
	Use a ceramic or travel mug at work rather than a disposable cup.
	Buy a set of inexpensive silverware, plates, bowls and cups for staff so each person has a set.  Quit buying disposables.
	Don't toss items that can be reused or repaired. Fabric scraps, books, sporting goods, toys and clothing are always needed by nonprofit groups.
	Compost your food and yard waste to reduce your trash by up to 40%. Thurston County offers compost bins at reduced prices.
	Share newspapers, magazines and books with friends
	Buy products made from recycled content whenever possible.
	Make your meetings "green" by reducing paper waste, providing reusable cups, and using a white board instead of distributing agendas. Click here for more tips from the EPA.
Waste Reduction Tips for the Holidays
	Consider doing something a little different -- give the gift of experience instead of stuff. Click here for some great ideas.

Questions:  Call 867-2491 or e-mail wwm-webmaster@co.thurston.wa.us. 
Last updated: 10/13/2009