Reducing waste is perhaps best accomplished by practicing smart
shopping. Look to buy more durable, less toxic and products with less
packaging. Also, buy only what you need and use what you buy. Another
way to reduce waste is to use common services: for example, using
the library instead of buying books, or renting tools instead of buying
them. Make a difference in your community by learning how to be a
better environmental citizen.
Reduce Junk Mail
Every day your mailbox contains another interesting offer of credit or merchandise,
such as catalogs, vacations, or credit cards. Shopping by mail gives you
numerous choices and opportunities. However, while millions of Americans
welcome these choices, others prefer not to receive such mailings. For
information on how to be removed from major mailing lists and receive less
junk mail, click here.
Use both sides of paper
Simple and easy way to reduce paper usage set printers to print only two-sided
documents and put reminders up by copy machines for people to make two-sided
copies. If you are unsure how to make these adjustments to this equipment
check with your technical support staff. If you cannot print on both sides,
use the backside of one-sided paper as scrap. Place a small bin for scrap
paper on your desk or next to the printer and encourage others to do the
same.
Reduce the amount of magazines, newspapers, and publications
To cut down on subscriptions and multiple copies, get one subscription and
circulate the magazine or newspaper to various departments or have a central
location for people to borrow publications from. Route or post memos, too.
Become a paperless working and learning environment
Move toward a "paperless office" by using technology: Store computer
documents on diskette instead of making paper copies. Use voice mail or electronic
mail instead of paper memos. Use fax/modems to fax and receive documents by
computer. Use optical scanners and computers for file storage.
Use office products more than once
Use manila envelopes to route internal mail and reuse file folders, envelopes
and boxes. Reuse containers, polystyrene packaging "peanuts" and
bags.
Eliminate disposable products
Use coffee mugs, cutlery and crockery in place of paper and plastic items.
Wherever you can, substitute reusable products for single-use products such
as paper towels. Use rechargeable batteries.
Do not accept a bag when buying one or two items at a store.
Buy the largest possible container to get the best "product
to package ratio" (e.g., buy toothpaste in a 6.4 ounce size rather
than 4 ounces or less).
Avoid buying disposable items when durables ones are available (e.g.,
disposable vs. reuseable razors).
When you have a choice, buy a product that has less packaging than
its competitors.
Look to buy concentrates in smaller packages, rather than diluted
products in larger containers.
Use the Internet to receive news, catalogs, and other information
that usually comes to your house in a paper format.
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