Tuesday, October 20, 2009
REDUCE...
Over the years, both industries and individuals have tried to reduce our packaging waste. Packaging has been redesigned to make it more reusable and recyclable. More and more packages and products are being made of recyclable materials (which keeps them out of the garbage).
Some examples are concentrated laundry soap that gives you the same cleaning power in a smaller package, plastic refill pouches for mouthwash and fabric softener and toothpaste tubes that stand alone rather than inside another package. Spices and food items can be scooped out of a bin instead of buying them in individual boxes or bags.
Packages have become thinner and lighter. Since 1986, the average weight of soft drink cans has been reduced by 33% and the weight of plastic bottles by 14% even glass bottles have been lightened. This is encouraging but we must always remain aware of our choices because there is still a lot of wasteful packaging going into your home.
You can make a difference...
When you shop, look for products with minimal packaging. It's best if the packaging you choose can be reused or recycled.
Go for unpackaged bulk goods and products in refillable containers.
Buy products in large size "economy" or "family" size rather than single use sizes.
Bring your own shopping bag to the store.
Bring your own dishware to work.
Educate yourself and others about packaging: find out what can be reduced, reused or recycled in your neighbourhood (see Recycling Basics page on this site for this information).
If you think something is over-packaged, tell the store manager or complain to the manufacturer. They really do listen to consumers.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
We can have a major impact on the amount of garbage produced in our state by becoming aware of how much we throw out and changing some of our habits about buying and using things.
Environmentally aware consumers are producing less waste by practicing the “3 Rs:” Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. They are buying products that are less toxic or contain less packaging, using reusable containers and other reusable items, maintaining and repairing products, participating in recycling programs, and buying products made from recycled materials.
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