Reducing household waste is a great way to make a change for the environment.You can reduce the amount of waste in the house by buying smart.You can reduce waste by finding ways to reuse and donate old items.Reducing the amount of waste you contribute to the environment is possible by living green.
Step 1: Quality items last a long time.
"quality not quantity" is a saying you've probably heard.It's true when you're trying to reduce household waste.Buying higher quality items, including dishes, pans, clothing, toys, and most everything else, will reduce your waste because the items will last longer.You won't have to replace them often.When you can, get a higher quality pot.It will last many more years.
Step 2: Purchase bigger packages of food.
Bigger packages are better for reducing trash from packaging.A large box of cereals creates less waste than smaller boxes that add up to the same amount.When you get home, portion the food into containers.If you like small portions of pretzels, buy a big bag and use small sealed containers to create individual portions.It's important to look for packaging that can be recycled so you don't contribute to the landfill.
Step 3: Products with less packaging should be looked for.
Today's society is buying into excessive packaging.Some items have more than one layer of packaging.If you see an item with too much packaging, look for a different brand to see if it uses less.
Step 4: You can buy from the bins.
In health food stores, bulk bins are more popular.You can simply scoop out the food with these bins.The bag usually produces less waste than standard packaging.Reusable containers can be brought from home to make the purchase even more green.You don't have to pay for the container if the cashier writes the weight of it on it.
Step 5: Repairs broken items.
It's tempting to throw out things when they break.Try to repair the items if you want to reduce waste.You don't just throw it in the landfill.If the sole comes off your boot, take it to a cobbler instead of throwing it out.If you have a problem with your television, get it fixed rather than buying a new one.Repairs are usually cheaper than a new item.
Step 6: Reusable items can be bought.
Paper plates, plastic zip top bags, and one-time use batteries are just some of the items that can be recycled.Depend on plates and containers.Don't throw away rechargeable batteries if you invest in them.This tip will save you money in the long run.
Step 7: You can use a grocery bag.
If you go shopping a lot, plastic grocery bags seem to increase in number.It's possible to reuse some of them in your house, but you'll probably throw away a good number as well.You can bring cloth grocery bags with you to the store.They are less likely to bust on you because they hold more than plastic bags.If you leave the canvas bags hanging beside your door, you will be reminded to use them.
Step 8: Don't subscribe from junk mail.
Most people receive a large amount of mail that ends up in the trash.There are steps you can take to reduce that mail.If you don't want to see the catalog, you can call the company and ask to be taken off the list.There are websites that you can use to cancel junk mail.You can opt out of credit card offers on the site.
Step 9: Buy less as a whole.
You might feel the need to buy in a consumerist society.Next time you want to buy a new item, ask yourself if you really need it."No" is the answer more often than not.Do you own something that could serve the same purpose?You may be able to use something you already have.It helps to take fewer trips to the store.
Step 10: Donations of old items.
Try to find a place to give something away when you don't use it anymore.Household items can be donated to thrift stores.Donations of old books and magazines can be made to libraries or schools.You can reduce the trash you produce by donating items.
Step 11: You can have a yard sale.
If you don't want to give something away, you can hold a yard sale.You can make a small amount of money if you clean out items from your house at the same time.You can give anything you have left.You can increase attendance by advertising your yard sale online or in the newspaper.Yard sales can be good in the spring and early summer when it is not too hot.
Step 12: Repurpose old items.
When you're about to throw something out, think about if you can use it for something else.Even if it can't continue to serve its original purpose, it's possible to use it to do something else.Old t-shirts and towels can be used for household cleaning.There are small spaces that need to be cleaned with old toothbrushes.If you are going to throw out containers, reuse them.If you fill paper egg cartons or the bottom of plastic beverage containers with potting soil, you can plant seedlings.In leftover glass jars, store food, craft supplies, or other small items.
Step 13: You can compost what you want.
Composting can keep trash out of the landfill.You can use what you make to improve your yard and garden.Composting is the process of taking organic materials and making compost.You can compost food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, grass clippings, and ashes from the fireplace.You can put the items in a small container in your home.
Step 14: You can make a compost pile.
Compost piles are outdoors.You can have a pile that you turn occasionally, but you can also use a wooden, open-sided bin or a wire mesh bin.You can compost inside if you don't have a lot of outdoor space.You can buy ready-made compost pails or make your own using garbage cans of different sizes.Add dead branches or leaves to the can by placing a brick at the bottom.Place the smaller can within the larger can by drilling holes in the sides and bottom.After about three or four months your compost will be ready to use.If you want to use it as mulch, incorporate it into your garden.Composting and mulching can be offered by some cities if you don't have an interest in composting.
Step 15: It's a good idea to recycle.
You're going to have some waste at the end of the day.The best option for this waste is to recycle it.You can recycle items like glass, plastic, paper, cans, and cardboard in most communities.
Step 16: You should have an area in your kitchen for recycling.
If you have a separate trash can for recycling, you can separate it from the rest of the trash.You might need to separate different types of recycling if your community requires it.Try having a small bin for each type.It is important to clearly label the bins to make sure they are recycled correctly.The recycling symbol is on the package.It is a good idea to rinse off items before recycling.Pizza boxes covered in grease can't be recycled.Unless your community advises otherwise, you should remove the plastic bottles' lid.