Reduce
The critical first step of waste prevention has been overshadowed by a focus on recycling. Please help to promote a greater awareness of the importance of the "Reduce" part of the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle mantra. For a great overview of how raw materials and products move around the world, see the video
The Story of Stuff.
Simplify: Simplify your life as much as possible. Only keep belongings that you use/enjoy on a regular basis. By making the effort to reduce what you own, you will naturally purchase less/create less waste in the future. For information on voluntary simplicity, check out Voluntary Simplicity Websites. Learn more through books on voluntary simplicity. The Compact blog (and Yahoo group accessed from blog) supports individuals committed to not buying products for a year.
Reduce Purchases: In general, think before you buy any product - do you really need it? How did the production of this product impact the environment and what further impacts will there be with the disposal of the product (and associated packaging materials)? When you are thinking about buying something, try the 30-Day Rule -- wait 30 days after the first time you decide you want a product to really make your decision. This will eliminate impulse buying.
Tree-Free Home: As much as possible, create a tree-free home: replace paper napkins with cloth napkins replace paper towels with a special set of cloth towels/napkins - store the used ones in a small container in your kitchen and just wash and reuse purchase bleach-free, toilet paper that is made from the highest post-consumer waste content you can find (80% minimum) if you print documents, print on once-used paper and/or bleach-free, recycled paper with the highest post-consumer waste content available (or hemp/alternative-source paper, if you can afford it) create and use note pads from once-used paper leave messages for family members/roommates on a reusable message board make your own cards/letters from once-used products or handmade paper if you will be doing construction on your house, search out alternatives to using newly cut wood.
Avoid products that are packaged for single use (i.e., drinks, school lunches, candy, cat and dog food, salad mixing, etc.). Instead, buy in bulk and transfer the products to your own reusable containers. Many health food stores have bulk bins where they sell everything from grains to cereal to cleaning products.
Avoid Trash: Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. (ask in advance), buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products, buy products with the least amount of packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!
Shopping Bags: While shopping, if you only buy a few products skip the shopping bag. For larger purchases, bring your own. Learn about the dangers of plastic bags and what countries around world are doing about it.
Junk Mail Do-it-yourself: Stop junk mail, email and phone calls from Telemarketers
Reuse
The media has done a wonderful job of selling us on the attractiveness and benefits of buying "new", "improved", "special", etc. products. However, we already collectively own so much that we could all survive for quite a while on the existing products - if we just reused them a few times!
Garage Sales: Shop at and hold garage sales - this is a great way to reuse products. Reusables: Switch from disposable to reusable products: food and beverage containers, cups, plates, writing pens, razors, diapers, towels, shopping bags, etc.
Donations: Donate your old: household items - clothes, furniture, dishes, books, sports equipment, magazines, appliances, electronics, business attire, wedding attire, etc. (to charity) computer equipment building material (to companies who specialize in selling used material) cell phones and ink cartridges
If you would like to start your own recycling program, check out Recycling Websites.
Wash and Reuse Plastic Bags: With either a wooden bag dryer or in the washing machine.
Buy Durables: Buy products that will last and take care of them.
Teach Thrift: Teach your children the value of being thrifty (the wise economy in the management of money and other resources; frugality).
Frugal Printing: Use both sides of each piece of paper -- for note taking or printing documents from your computer (at home or work). Create note pads by stapling together once-used paper. Kitchen Reuseables: Instead of buying these items new, save and reuse all: paper bags, rubber bands, twisties, boxes, and packaging material. Reuse your plastic bags with a handy bag dryer.
Library: Pick up books from your local library or used book store. The library is also many times a great place for finding magazines, CDs, books-on-tape, and videos. Share with Neighbors: Join in with neighbors to purchase infrequently used products such as lawn mowers, ladders, etc.
Refurbished Computers: Buy refurbished computers for less
Rechargeable Batteries: Purchase rechargeable batteries and a battery recharger (some battery rechargers will also recharge regular alkaline batteries). Solar powered battery rechargers are available online.
Recycle
Recycle Bins: Create designated holding "bins" for each type of recycled product and place in convenient locations in your home/garage
Recycling Fact Sheet: Create a local recycling fact sheet for yourself and interested neighbors. The local Yellow Pages, Internet Consumer Recycling Guides and Recycling Resources are great resources. Find out where you can recycle: glass paper products plastic grocery bags (better yet - use cloth bags) plastic - including 1 - 7 identification codes aluminum cardboard tin cans scrap metal motor oil (one quart of oil can kill fish in thousands of gallons of water) ink cartridges household appliances such as refrigerators computer equipment and other electronic devices aseptic packaging (square boxes used for liquids) styrofoam tires athletic shoes (contact a local sporting goods or athletic shoe store - some donate used shoes, others recycle them) etc.
Recycled Content: Ask your local retailers to stock more products made from recycled materials and buy products made from the highest recycled content whenever possible.
Green Paper: In general, try to buy products/containers made from recycled material as often as possible to support the recycled product market. When purchasing paper products (toilet paper, etc,), look for paper that has been recycled using a minimum of 50% post-consumer waste. Also, purchase from companies that do not use chlorine to bleach their paper products (which creates dioxin waste).
Natural Fertilizer: Leave grass clippings on the lawn as fertilizer.
Composting: Start a compost pile with yard trimmings and food scraps.
Learn more at Wikipedia's Compost page.