Reduce and Reuse Basics

Reusable Bags

The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place. Making a new product requires a lot of materials and energy: Raw materials must be extracted from the earth, and the product must be fabricated and then transported to wherever it will be sold.

As a result, reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources, protect the environment and save money.

Benefits of Reducing and Reusing

  • Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials.
  • Saves energy.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change.
  • Helps sustain the environment for future generations.
  • Saves money.
  • Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators.
  • Allows products to be used to their fullest extent.

Take Action to Reduce your Impact on the Planet

  • Help create a market for recycled paper – buy recycled paper products made with post-consumer waste.
  • Recycle paper to save trees from being cut down – this process reduces the amount of energy needed to produce more paper by about half and reduces air pollution emissions.
  • Use reusable dishware and utensils rather than paper plates, cups or napkins. Choose “tree-free” paper products, such as those made from hemp.
  1. Reuse Tips
  2. Waste Reduction Tips
  3. Holiday Waste
  • Clean out juice bottles and use them for water.
  • Donate extras to people you know or to charity instead of throwing them away.
  • Purchase refillable pens and pencils.
  • Repairing, donating to a charity or selling items also reduces waste.
  • Reuse boxes.
  • Reusing products, when possible, is even better than recycling because the item does not need to be reprocessed before it can be used again.
  • Use cloth napkins or towels.
  • Use durable coffee mugs.
  • Use empty jars to hold leftover food.
  • When shopping, purchase items that can be reused.