Trimming your waste

You’ve probably heard the reduce-reuse-recycle mantra, but many times the reduce part of the equation gets overshadowed.

Reducing is a critical part of preventing waste and lessening the impact you have on the environment. Here are just a few of many simple ways to make “reduce” part of your everyday life.

Simplify: Only keep the belongings you use on a regular basis. This will also help you avoid purchasing pieces of predestined waste.

Tree-free: Make your home as free from paper products as possible. Replace paper napkins and paper towels with cloth products.

Thwart trash: Cut down on creating garbage by avoiding unnessesary plastic utensils and straws.

Bag it: Take your own bag to the supermarket, or skip the bag entirely if you have just a few items.

Bulk it: Avoid products sold for single use. Cut down on wasted packaging by buying in bulk.

Lug a mug: Carry your own cup for coffee and other beverages. Some coffee houses offer discounts for the effort.

Source: globalstewards.org