We’ve all heard the phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”. What you might not know is that they’re listed in order of priority. Reduce what you use first, reuse it if you have to buy it, and recycle it if you absolutely can’t reuse it.

Reduce:

• Buy items with minimal packaging. The less packaging an item has, the less waste is produced. Try buying items that are only packaged once, over items that are packaged in multiple ways—so something wrapped individually, and then wrapped together is less environmentally friendly than one big bag.
• Buy items in bulk, and refill a bottle or box when you can.
• Use cloths/sponges instead of paper towels
• Use canvas bags, not plastic, for shopping

Reuse:

• Buy things you can reuse, rather than disposable. Refillable pens and rechargeable batteries are good, and you can avoid disposable razors as well.
• If you subscribe to a newspaper or magazine, ask around to see if any of your friends would like them when you’re done. Or, call the local library, hospitals, or homeless shelters to see if they would like donated copies.
• Use washable mugs and plates, not throw-away paper or Styrofoam. When you’re packing lunches, use Tupperware (or better yet, glass storage) instead of plastic bags. Instead of plastic water bottles or juice boxes, pack drinks in stainless steel bottles.
• Donate clothes and furniture to a well-regarded charity.
• Reuse cardboard boxes, gift bags, and other packaging materials. When you receive a shipment filled with Styrofoam peanuts, call your local shipping stores and ask if they can use them.
• Composting can reduce your trash by up to 25%, and it makes great fertilizer for your garden.

Recycle:

• Buy goods that use recycled/recyclable packaging and can be recycled themselves.
• Get 4¢ for every aluminum can or plastic/glass bottle you recycle. Go to www.consrv.ca.gov or call (800) RECYCLE for a recycling center near you.
• Go to your city’s department of public works for a list of items that are recyclable in the curbside containers. If your city doesn’t recycle a particular item, there might be a center nearby that will.