REDUCE
• Buy in bulk: Large, "family
size" containers require less packaging per pound than small,
"single serving" packages. In addition to conserving resources,
buying in bulk will also generally save you money!
• Look for items with little or
no packaging: Many items come in a variety of packaging styles.
Choose unpackaged items and concentrates whenever possible.
• Buy durable products:
You may spend a little more to purchase good quality products, but
you won't need to replace them as often.
REUSE
• Buy reusable products:
Disposable products generate more waste than reusable products.
Disposables often cost more in the long run! Look for reusable cameras,
razors, and lunch bags, cloth diapers, cloth napkins and towels,
rechargable batteries, and returnable beverage bottles.
• Reuse containers: Rinsed
out glass and plastic containers make great storage containers for
leftovers, hardware, etc.
• Reuse bags: Whether cloth,
plastic, or paper, reuse grocery bags when you shop. Try keeping
a stash in your car so you will always be prepared. Also try reusing
produce bags.
RECYCLE
• Buy products or packages made
from recycled materials: Many recycled paper products are
currently on the market, including toilet tissue, paper towels,
and writing paper. Some products are packaged in containers made
with recycled content. Read product labels! Purchasing recycled
content products helps support the recycling industry by providing
a demand for the materials we place in our recycling bins.
• Buy recyclable packaging:
Many products are offered in a variety of packaging styles. Packaging
made from multiple materials are not recyclable. Whenever possible,
choose packaging made from a single type of material that is accepted
for recycling.
MINIMIZE HAZARDS
• Read product labels: Look
for key words such as Poison! Danger! Warning! and Caution! . Choose
products with the lowest hazard (Caution! is less hazardous than
Poison!) or with no hazard at all.
• Buy safe alternatives:
Salt, vinegar, lemon juice, washing soda, baking powder, and wood
soap are some of the more common ingredients in many recipes for
non-toxic cleaning. Contact CSWD to request a free booklet of non-toxic
cleaning recipes.
GIVE FEEDBACK
• Talk to store managers:
Sometimes your choices are limited by what the store has to offer.
Encourage the store managers to stock products that you want to
buy.
• Write a letter or call the manufacturer:
Whether you're pleased or upset, manufacturers want to know what
consumers think about their products and packaging. Be specific
and make suggestions for improvement.
• Target public officials:
Write to legislators about issues you'd like to see changed.
Senators: U.S. Senate; Washington D.C. 20510
House of Representatives: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington
D.C. 20500
Visit your public library for the names and addresses of state and
local officials. |
