REDUCE: to make something smaller or use less, which means less waste!
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE?
Buy only what you need and use all of what you buy.
Avoid wasteful packaging:
- Avoid single serving containers
- Use a reusable sports bottle instead of plastic water bottles
- REFUSE PLASTIC AND PAPER STORE BAGS. Instead, bring your own canvas tote bags to the grocery store.
Say no to junk mail!
- Go to dmachoice.org to see how you can opt out of receiving catalogues
- Every year each American household receives an average of 1.5 tree's worth of junk mail. Poor trees!
REUSE: to use again or more than once."One man's trash is another man's treasure."
HOW CAN YOU REUSE?
- Bring a travel mug along instead of accepting paper cups for your hot chocolate or juice
- Wash and reuse: plastic baggies, utensils, and containers
- Repair before you replace
- Donate old things: Salvation Army, ReUse Center Ann Arbor
- Help your parents organize a yard sale!
- Use cloth napkins instead of paper