Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

Recycling and conservation can directly reduce demand for biological resources and can reduce incentives for destroying natural ecosystems.

Recycling/waste reduction opportunities...

Recycle glass.
Recycle plastic bottles.
Recycle plastic bags.
Recycle aluminum cans.
Recycle metals.
Recycle motor oil.
Dispose of hazardous waste responsibly.
Reuse paper bags.
Reuse cardboard boxes and plastic bags for storage.
Eliminate some of your junk mail by:
obtaining a form at the post office that will remove your name from all third-class mailing lists; or.
contacting Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 3861, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163 (212/689-4977)

With your clothing...

Hang your clothes outside to dry in warmer weather.
Mend and repair clothes and shoes rather than discard and replace.
Store clothing in cedar-lined chests or hanging wardrobes rather than using chemical moth balls.
Donate old clothes to those in need.
Invest in well-made, functional clothing.
Sponsor a clothes swap with friends and neighbors.
Make toddler and infant clothes from fabric of discarded adult clothing.
Clothes and bedding too worn to be repaired or donated can be used as dusting rags.

In your kitchen...

Buy dry goods in bulkÉgrains, cereals, spices, pasta, flours -- rather than in prepackaged containers.
Buy organic, pesticide-free foods.
Avoid highly processed foods.
Eat foods from low on the food chain.
Grow your own food.
Volunteer to start or help with a community garden.
Be creative and responsible with leftover food.
Store leftovers and lunches in sealable, reusable containers rather than using plastic wrap or foil.
Use water from cooking vegetables to make soup.
Support local food co-ops.
Discover where the food and goods you buy come from.
Buy locally-grown produce and other foods.
Avoid harsh oven cleansers -- keep your oven clean by wiping up spills right away with baking soda and water.
Avoid using polystyrene foam.
Reuse egg cartons and styrofoam meat plates (donate to schools for craft projects).
Avoid disposable plates, cups and utensils--invest in durable, reusable plastic tableware.
Save plastic plates from pre-prepared microwaveable meals for picnics or serving small children.
Avoid products packaged in six-pack plastic rings or cut rings open before discarding.
Consider having fresh milk, water, or seltzer delivered to your door in refillable bottles.
Try to buy drinks in containers that can be recycled as part of your recycling program.
Squeeze your own juices from fresh fruit.
Use cloth dish towels instead of paper towels.
Use paper bags, not paper towels, to drain grease.
Boil cloves and cinnamon on your stove rather than using chemical air fresheners.
Have refrigerators checked for leaks.
Clean condenser coils on the back or bottom of refrigerator once a year.
Keep refrigerator door gasket clean to make certain seal isn't broken by dried-on food.
Open dishwasher after rinse cycle to let dishes air-dry.

In your bathroom...

Put in a water-conserving shower head.
Take shorter showers.
Take baths instead of showers.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
Put a water-conservation device in your toilet. This can be a brick or a plastic jug filled with water..
Instead of buying disposal razors, invest in a quality razor or use an electric razor.
Use a shaving mug and brush rather than a throwaway aerosol foam can.
Avoid buying personal products that are double- or triple-wrapped (shampoo, deodorant, etc.).
Refill liquid soap pump dispensers or use bar soap instead.
Try potpourri and scented candles instead of chemical air fresheners.
Purchase and use stick deodorantsÉthey don't have the overpackaging of roll-ons or sprays.

In your home...

Use non-toxic, biodegradable soaps and cleansers.
Use home remedies to reduce the need for the costly disposal of household hazardous wastes.
Use latex or water-based paints -- donate leftovers to theatre groups or shelters.
Purchase cleansers in giant economy-size packages to save money and reduce packaging.
Purchase concentrated products which reduce waste and save you money.
Purchase products in refillable/reusable containers.
Wash only full loads of laundry.
Help your clothes dryer work more efficiently -- clean dryer's lint trap after every load.
Eliminate hidden poisons in your home by using dry bleach or borax instead of chlorine bleach.
Unclog drains with a metal snake or plunger, rather than with toxic drain openers.
Use non-toxic pest control.
Don't buy products tested on animals.
Keep hazardous chemicals in spillproof containers.
Avoid halon fire extinguishers.
Use rechargeable batteries.
Use electric appliances rather than those that require disposable batteries.
Use rechargeable appliances when you do need the freedom provided by batteries.
Buy small hardware -- such as screws and nails -- in bulk and store them in jars.
Learn where your waste and sewage goes.
Learn where the energy for your home comes from.
Support your local utility's conservation program.
Be sure your home is appropriately insulated.
Weather-seal your home thoroughly.
Heat your home responsibly, with renewable energy.
Clean or replace air conditioner filters once a month.
Have air conditioners checked for leaks.
Don't burn green wood.
Choose the long-term investment of solar energy.
Turn off lights when not in use.
Turn down your hot water heater.
Install low-flow faucet aerators.
Lower your thermostat and wear warmer clothes.
Buy energy-efficient electrical appliances.

In your cars -- transportation...

Keep your car engine well-tuned.
Drive a fuel-efficient car that uses unleaded gas.
If you change your own oil, be sure it gets recycled.
Buy high-mileage tires and maintain proper air pressure (check once a month).
Take old tires to a tire recycling center or patronize a tire dealer who recycles old tires.
Request remanufactured replacement parts for your car.
When servicing your car's air conditioner, make certain the CFCs are contained and recycled.
Drive more slowly -- a car travelling 55 mph rather than 65 mph burns less gasoline.
Walk, bicycle, carpool or use public transportation when possible.
Don't let your car idle unnecessarily.
Keep fuel filters clean.