Reduce - to prevent waste before it is created.
Waste reduction refers to:
- Reducing the amount of waste produced. For example, use china and silverware whenever
possible instead of using disposable paper plates and plastic flatware.
- Reducing toxic substances in waste. For example, use a nontoxic oven cleaner instead of
one that contains hazardous ingredients.
Starting a reduction program:
The best way to discover where you can reduce waste is to actually sort through your
trash. What does each person throw away? What materials take up the most space? Is
anything reusable or repairable? Can you reduce the amount of disposable products you use?
Can you substitute products and packaging made of reusable, recyclable, or nonhazardous
materials? If you are throwing away unusable leftover products, can you give them to
someone else, or buy these things in smaller sizes?
