Ways to Reduce Waste

Waste Reduction at School
Waste Reduction at Home

Waste Reduction at School

There are many ways to reduce waste generated at school. Think ahead and be creative. You could help your school become more environmentally conscience at the same time save money. Here are a few examples:

Use notebooks made with post-consumer content.
Use both sides of paper. Teachers can create less waste by copying worksheets on both sides of every sheet.
Start or join an environmental club at school. Get informed, and think of things you can do to make a difference at your school.
Use refillable pens and pencils.
Ask your school to use items such as reusable cafeteria trays and silverware.
Ask your school to buy milk in reusable eight-ounce plastic bottles, which produce almost no waste (only the cap is discarded), rather than milk cartons.
Encourage classmates to use reusable containers for beverages, sandwiches and snacks. Have classmates put their lunch in a reusable cloth bag or lunch box.
 

Reduce unwanted junk mail. - A good portion of what you throw in the garbage each day is paper. Much of the paper generated in our homes comes in the mail. The average American household receives more than 500 pieces of advertising mail each year. You can take action to reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive. Recycling junk mail is good, but reducing the flow of junk mail will conserve natural resources, save landfill space, and save you time and money.

Choose rechargeable batteries. - When you have to use a battery-powered appliance or toy, choose rechargeable batteries* or use an AC adapter whenever possible. Keep in mind that after rechargeable batteries will no longer accept a charge, they may not be put in the garbage but must be taken to the Otter Tail County Household Hazardous Waste Collection or Rechargeable Battery Recycling Program. *Note: Battery manufacturers caution that rechargeables should not be used in smoke detectors and in other items where use is infrequent.

Reduce packaging waste. (SMART Shopping) - Packaging makes up 30% of municipal solid waste. You can reduce the amount of packaging you throw in the garbage by purchasing items that have less packaging.

Prevent food waste and compost organics. - According to the USDA, 27% of the nation's total food supply, 97 billion pounds, was wasted in 1995. Food is wasted in many ways, such as preparing/buying too much and letting fresh food go bad.

Reduce mercury in your home. - Mercury evaporates easily and travels great distances through the atmosphere. It ends up in our lakes and rivers where it accumulates in fish and other creatures. Mercury, a nerve toxin, is especially dangerous when ingested (i.e., eating contaminated fish) by pregnant women, women planning to have children in the future and children. The best way to keep mercury out of the home and the environment is not to buy mercury-containing products. However if it is unavoidable, make sure when it is time to dispose of mercury containing products bring them to a household hazardous waste facility for recycling.

Use the least hazardous cleaning products. (Non-Toxic Cleaning) - In a state the size of Minnesota with about 4.4 million people, approximately 572 tons of liquid cleaners and 132 tons of toilet bowl cleaners are washed down the drain each month. Label Reading is an important key to choosing the least hazardous product for cleaning in your home. When reading the labels of cleaners pick out signal words - caution, warning, danger and poison - which indicate the level of hazard. Also, read the instructions on how to use the product and be sure to use the correct amount. Remember that you won't get twice the results by using twice as much.

Reduce waste, find new life for old stuff. (Materials Exchange) - Households are welcome to offer items to the Otter Tail County's Materials Exchange. There may be a household, organization or business that just might turn your trash into a valuable treasure.

Maintain your vehicle. Cars can be a large source of pollution both through tailpipe emissions and through maintenance. The regular servicing of vehicles creates waste that needs special handing, especially used oil and oil filters. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations for vehicle maintenance: change your oil regularly, keep the tires inflated correctly and have it serviced regularly. Always make sure you properly dispose of your used oil (off site link) and oil filters. Also, try to find ways to use your car less by walking, biking, riding the bus or car pooling to your destination. These ideas will reduce "wear and tear" on your vehicle, as well as curb air pollution and save you money.