Reduce
  • buy locally grown items - there's usually a lot less packaging
  • use stale bread for breadcrumbs, toppings stuffings, croutons or birdfeed
  • purchase milk in glass bottles and return for full refund
  • buy milk and juice in plastic jugs and recycle
  • buy milk in plastic bags and a pouring container instead of cartons
  • pack lunches with thermoses for soups or drinks
  • use cloth bags or boxes for lunches instead of paper bags
  • buy pop / water in bulk using refillable beverage containers
  • buy beverages in concentrate (frozen, liquid or crystal)
  • buy high volume / expensive foods in bulk (cheese, peanut butter, dried fruits, nuts, etc.)
  • make your own cup-a-soup with dried soups and egg noodles
  • buy environmentally friendly detergents in bulk or refillable containers
  • use dishcloths, sponges and dishtowels instead of disposable paper products
  • use cloth napkins and wash as needed (sew initials in corner to identify 'whose is whose')
  • use an erasable note board instead of paper notes
Reuse
  • use refillable travel / coffee mugs for driving, work or school
  • pack sandwiches in reusable plastic sandwich containers
  • reuse glass juice bottles with metal lid for refilling for lunches
  • reuse yogurt / margarine tubs for leftovers or in lunches
  • reuse glass jars for storing cooking fat or leftovers
  • reuse ice cream buckets for holding compostables, storing large supplies of dried foods
  • containers for toys, craft supplies, etc
  • check the classified ads for used items before buying new items (ex: appliances, furniture, etc.)
  • reuse plastic containers for leftovers instead of foils or plastic wraps
  • rent dishes, glasses and cutlery for special events - it saves money and time (you can return
  • them dirty)
  • reuse plastic grocery bags when you shop instead of getting new ones
  • use cloth bags when buying groceries instead of using the plastic or paper bags
  • reuse plastic grocery bags for garbage bags
  • buy eggs in bulk - reuse egg containers when shopping
  • reuse egg cartons as containers to start plant seeds
  • make nutritious, homemade soup from all your leftovers
Recycle
  • pack lunchtime fruit remains back in sandwich container for composting at home
  • compost food waste from teabags to peanut shells
  • buy or build a backyard composter
  • buy or build an indoor worm composter - fun for kids and no smells or files if done right
  • use reusable coffee filters or compost the disposable ones
  • contact local food banks to pick up perishable items from restaurants or special events
  • recycle animal byproducts / cooking oil (large volumes) through a free pick-up service
  • recycle plastic grocery bags at major grocers - recycle glass jars and tins - please wash an
  • remove lids and labels
  • donate old appliances to local thrift stores - to rebuild or for parts
  • recycle your fridge - have a professional capture the harmful CFC gases; metal recycler
  • usually accept the fridges for the metal value
  • donate or shop for kitchen items at local thrift stores (from kids cups to can openers)
  • recycle clean aluminum foil and pie pans
  • recycle old phone books and directories complete the recycling loop - look for items with recycled content
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