Reduce
Purchase durable, long-lasting goods and make them last longer by repairing them instead of throwing them out and buying something new
Related link: Upgrading My Vintage Ipod
Buy products that use less packaging. Excess and unnecessary packing is filling out landfills!
Related link: Packaging Diva
Use washable mugs at work or school instead of paper cups. Use a thermos for beverages, reusable containers for snacks, a washable bag or plastic container for sandwiches and a cloth napkin. Pack it all in a reusable cloth bag or lunchbox.
Related link: CoolLunchBags.com
Stop junk mail. Direct mail – catalogs, flyers, credit card offers, memberships to clubs and organizations of all kinds .
Related link: StopJunkMail.org
Buy concentrates, returnables, economy-sized containers or products in bulk
Related link: Costco
Select energy-efficient appliances and electronic equipment with good warranties and service contracts.
Related link: ACEE: Consumer’s Guide For An Energy Efficient Home
Buy products made from renewable resources.
Related link: GreenCulture
If you buy only one or two items and did not bring your own bag, carry your purchases without a bag.
Re-use
Send products and materials that still have some life in them to your local thrift store.
Related link: Goodwill
Reuse paper and plastic bags, boxes, containers and twist ties.
Related link: Plastic Bag Crochet
Reuse scrap paper. Staple together sheets of scrap paper to make note pads and shopping lists.
Save and reuse gift boxes, ribbons, tissue paper and larger pieces of wrapping paper.
Related link: ThriftyFun Tip
Making giftwrap and bows out of scrap paper
Share newspapers and magazines. Bring them to work or offer them to your doctor’s office.
Borrow, rent or share things you use infrequently.
Recycle
Hazardous Waste
Electronics, oils and fuels and batteries all qualify.
Related Link: Hazardous Waste Recycling (California)
Composting
Use a compost bin and worm house to reduce food and kitchen waste to mere dirt.
Related link: Composters.Com
Paper
Related link: Tips on recycling paper
Bill Nye’s Paper Recycling Factory
Cans and metals
Related link: Aluminum Can Recycling
Plastic
Related link: Plastic Recycling Wiki
