Americans get rid of more than 700 billion pounds of paper, glass, plastic, wood, food, metal, clothing, electronic devices and other refuse every year.
The problem of managing mountains of waste may seem frustrating, but experts keep in mind there are easy ways for customers to make a difference every day.
" Old routines might die hard, like forgetting to recycle a soda can or newspaper, however fortunately is, there are lots of basic ways to minimize waste, from purchasing concentrated family products to purchasing wholesale," says ecological expert Kim Carlson.
Carlson offers the following ideas to help customers reduce, recycle and reuse waste:
* Keep it loose. Buy screwdrivers, nails and other hardware items in loose bins. At the supermarket, pick produce that is not in prepackaged containers.
* Bring your own bag. Reuse containers and bags. Keep a supply of bags on hand for future shopping trips, or take your own canvas tote bag to the grocery store.
* Consider concentrated cleaning agent. Focused products often require less product packaging, resulting in less energy to carry to the shop and less plastic to recycle.
* Choose to reuse. Reach for recyclable items such as fabric dishcloths, napkins or sponges rather of paper towels.
* Recharge and renew. Use rechargeable batteries and recycle old batteries to help reduce garbage and keep hazardous metals out of the environment.
* Buy clever. Search for long-lasting, energy-saving devices with the Energy Star label and electronic devices with great guarantees.
* Get crafty. Reuse scrap paper and envelopes. Conserve and reuse ribbons, tissue paper, present boxes and even covering paper. Save cardboard boxes, colored paper, egg containers and other items for arts and crafts tasks.
* Think thrifty. Contribute clothing to charity organizations or sell the products in consignment shops, fairs, fetes or tag sales. Also, share hand-me-down clothing with member of the family and next-door neighbors. - NU
Reuse bags and containers. * Consider concentrated cleaning agent. Focused products often require less packaging, resulting in less energy to transport to the shop and less plastic to recycle. Reuse scrap paper and envelopes. Conserve and reuse ribbons, tissue papers, gift boxes and even covering paper.
