Reduction Tips Adopt practices to reduce waste toxicity. Consider Reusable Products The Problem Is Too Much Trash Reducing the amount of packaging. In addition to reducing the amount of materials Many products and are designed Because packaging materials account for one- in the solid waste stream, reducing hazardous to be reusable (used more than once), resulting Each year, Columbus citizens generate over third of the trash we generate, they provide a products is important too. in less waste. 355 thousand tons of trash. Reducing the good opportunity for reducing waste. waste stream by just one percent can amount ; Use nonhazardous or less hazardous ; Durable items such as a mug, cup, to about 3600 tons of trash each year. ; When choosing between two similar household products to accomplish your utensils, tableware, cloth napkins, products, select the one with the least tasks. Instead of pesticides, plant sponges or dishcloths can be washed unnecessary packaging. marigolds in your garden to keep certain and used again. Making Source Reduction Work ; At the grocery, purchase items such as pests away. In some cases, you may be ; Look for products available in refillable Individual consumers can help alleviate the tomatoes, garlic and mushrooms using less toxic chemicals to do a job, containers, that can either be refilled mounting trash problem by making environ- unpackaged. Remember that wrenches, and in others, you may use some or reused by the consumer or the mentally aware decisions about everyday screwdrivers, nails and other hardware physical methods, such as sandpaper, manufacturer. things like shopping and caring for the lawn. are available in loose bins. scouring pads, or just a little more elbow ; Use rechargeable batteries to help grease to achieve the same results. Putting source reduction into practice is likely ; Use products you already have on hand reduce garbage and keep toxic metals ; to require change in our daily routines. Changing to do household chores (e.g., use your Use alternatives to household products out of the solid waste stream. habits does not mean a return to a more dif- plunger instead of purchasing a drain that contain hazardous substances. ; At work, use “recharged” cartridges for ficult lifestyle. If we do not reduce waste, the cleaner). Some products around your house can laser printers, copiers and fax machines. be used to do the same job as products economic and social costs of waste disposal ; Recognize and support managers that with hazardous components. For example, will continue to increase. Individuals can stock products with no packaging or Maintain and repair durable products. evaluate their daily waste-producing activities as a glass cleaner mix 1 tablespoon of If maintained or repaired, products will not reduced packaging. Let clerks know vinegar or lemon juice to 1 quart of water. to determine those that are essential (such when it is not necessary to double wrap have to be thrown away and replaced as ; as choosing medicines and foods packaged a purchase. If you need to use products with hazardous frequently. substances, use only the amount you for safety and health), and those that are not ; Purchase large or economy-sized need. Share leftover materials with ; Buy long-lasting appliances and (such as throwing away glass or plastic household products such as laundry that could be reused or locally recycled). neighbors or donate to a business, electronic equipment with high consumer soap, pet food and cat litter. These charity or, with used motor oil, recycled satisfaction, low breakdown rates and sizes usually have less packaging per at a participating service station. Never good warranties. Waste Reduction: A Basic Solution unit of product. Waste reduction is waste prevention. It includes put hazardous materials in food or ; Keep appliances in good working order ; Whenever possible, select grocery, many actions that reduce the overall amount beverage containers. by following proper operation and hardware, and household items that or toxicity of waste created. Waste reduction ; Read and follow all maintenance. are available in bulk. Bulk merchandise can conserve resources, reduce pollution and directions on the ; Mend clothing instead of throwing it out. also may be shared with friends or help cut waste disposal and handling costs by product labels and ; neighbors. Choose furniture, luggage, sporting avoiding the costs of , composting, store safely away goods, toys, and tools that hold up to ; and landfilling. Because source reduction Buy concentrated products. They often from children vigorous use. require less packaging, less energy to prevents the generation of waste, it comes and pets. ; transport to the store, and save money Use long-lasting, low-energy fluorescent before other management options that deal light bulbs rather than incandescent ones. with trash after it is already generated. After and natural resources. ; To extend the life of car, bicycle and waste reduction, recycling (and composting) other vehicle tires, check tire pressure are the preferred options once a month, follow the manufacturer’s because they reduce the amount of waste recommendations for upkeep and going to the landfills and conserve resources. rotate the tires routinely. , containers, and other items. Sell or donate goods instead of throwing Be creative - find new ways to reduce Everyday items can have more than one use. them out. waste quantity and toxicity. Reusing products extends their lives, keeping Here are just a few ideas. ; them out of the solid waste stream longer. Donate or resell items to thrift stores or other organizations in need. These ; Turn a giant cardboard into a child’s ; Reuse and plastic bags and twist ties. organizations typically take everything playhouse. ; Reuse paper and . Use from clothes and textiles to appliances ; Transform plastic ice cream tubs into a both sides of a piece of paper for writing and furniture. flower pots. Use egg to plant notes before recycling it. Save and reuse ; Conduct a food or clothing drive to help seedlings. gift , ribbons, wrapping and tissue others. Encourage area merchants to ; Give pet hamsters or gerbils paper towel paper. Save packaging, colored paper, donate damaged goods or food items and toilet paper cardboard tubes to play in. egg cartons and other items for reuse that are still edible to food banks, shelters, ; Select nontoxic inks and art supplies. or for arts and crafts projects. and other groups that care for the needy. ; Turn used tires (not steel-belted) into ; ; Find other uses or homes for old Sell secondhand items at fairs, bazaars, children’s swings. draperies, bedding, clothing, towels and swap meets, and garage sales. ; cotton diapers. Then cut up what is left Combine source reduction techniques. for use as patchwork, rags, doll clothes, For example, try storing coffee bought WASTE rag rugs, or other projects. in bulk in empty coffee cans. ; REDUCTION ; Reuse newspaper, brown paper bags, Place an order through the mail with a group of people in order to save money boxes, packaging “peanuts,” and “bubble The City of Columbus’ Keep Columbus wrap” to ship packages. and reduce packaging. ; Beautiful Program provides leadership, Wash and reuse empty glass and plastic The City of Columbus’ Keep Columbus Beautiful jars, milk jugs, coffee cans, dairy tubs and program thanks you for your interest in improving guidance, education, assistance and other similar containers to store leftovers your communities. If you have any questions as well as buttons, nails, thumbtacks, etc. about the information in this pamphlet, or materials to citizens of Columbus to ; Turn used lumber into birdhouses, mail- questions about Keep Columbus Beautiful in boxes, bins, or other projects. Educate others on source reduction and general, please call (614) 645-2421. End Littering and improve communities. recycling practices. Make your preferences Borrow, rent, or share items. known to manufacturers, merchants, and ; Rent or borrow party decorations and community leaders. supplies such as tables, chairs, centerpieces, ; Write to companies to encourage them linens, dishes, and silverware. to reduce unnecessary packaging and ; Pool resources with neighbors to form the use of hazardous components in “banks” to share tools or equipment. products. Also, let companies know ; Instead of throwing them away offer when they have made positive changes. old tools, camera equipment or other ; Encourage the use of efficient long goods to friends, relatives, neighbors or lasting equipment KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL community groups. ; Encourage the use of reusable, recycled 1265 Marion Rd. % Columbus, OH 43207 ; Share newspapers and magazines with and recyclable materials in the workplace. 614-645-2421 % others and reduce generating waste ; Urge schools to provide environmental 1265 Marion Rd. Columbus, OH 43207 www.keepcolumbusbeautiful.org paper. education and to teach about source 614-645-2421 reduction, recycling and composting. www.keepcolumbusbeautiful.org