GREEN CORNER Reduce, Reuse, Recycle


Why is Reduce first in waste reduction’s three Rs? Since waste does not begin or end at the landfill (there’s a lot in between), it’s more effective to try to first reduce waste before you reuse or recycle. It takes less resources and energy and is more cost effective. Here are some simple, but useful, tips on ways to Reduce waste. Pick four, twelve or all 30 to include into your lifestyle and you will be making an important contribution to future generations and even to your pocketbook.


30 Ways to Reduce Waste 1 Replace disposable with reusable


Microfiber/cotton cloths - not paper towels/disposable wipes. Reusable tableware and utensils instead of throw-away type. Glass straw instead of plastic straw.


2 Buy used instead of new 3 Maintain your car; it’ll last longer 4 Grow your own fruit and veggies 5 Replace disposable alkaline batteries with rechargeable batteries 6 Look for products with high levels of post-consumer materials 7 Use remanufactured toner cartridges; perform the same, cost less 8 Maximize life of appliances by performing regular maintenance 9 Shop resale stores, yard sales - good for the budget and the earth


10 Rent, lend, and borrow instead of buying new 11 Keep tires rotated & inflated to last longer and pollute less 12 Learn about & participate in local recycling programs 13 Buy in bulk and use it all 14 Replace disposable coffee filters with reusable 15 Walk, carpool, ride bus or bike, instead of driving 16 Turn lights off when you leave the room 17 Conserve water 18 Donate old glasses to service groups who give to needy folks 19 Take re-usable bags shopping or reuse grocery bags 20 Use reusable furnace and air conditioner filters 21 Repair and refinish well-used furniture


22 Buy products with minimal packaging Instead of mini packages of snacks, buy big bags to put in reusable bags. Purchase meat in butcher paper instead of un-recyclable Styrofoam trays. Avoid food sold in big plastic clam-shells. Buy concentrated versions of cleaning products that come in smaller bottles.


23 Borrow books or movies from the library


24 Use refillables in lotions, soaps, and cleaning products Bring jars or bags for nuts, seeds, beans, etc. from bulk bins. Pay a deposit on a glass milk jug and bring it back to be refilled. Purchase cleaning products that offer refill packets Buy refillable beauty products (shampoo, lotion, soap) at your local co-op.


25 Turn your computer monitor off when leaving more than an hour 26 Be water smart; install low-flow plumbing fixtures 27 Buy from companies that use sustainable practices 28 Stop receiving unwanted mail (see below)


29 Compost: turn waste into valuable dirt for garden Start small with a kitchen composter. Find an outdoor space for a compost bin or tumbler. Let worms do the work!


30 Share this list with someone 18 YOUNG AT HEART ♦ February 2012 Reduce Junk Mail:


1) Avoid customer surveys, sweepstakes applications, product registrations, warranty cards, and customer loyalty cards.


2) Completing a U.S. Post Office Form 1500 is a great way to get rid of junk mail from specific organizations.


3) Write to the Mail Preference c/o Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008, 212.768-7277, with name(s) of people at your address (be sure to sign & date the letter). They will put you on the list for 5 years. Include a M.O. or check for $1 or register online free at www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/regist.action


Leap into Recycling:


How to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Almost Anything February 29th at 6pm


Carol Valentine, Josephine County Master Recycler’s Program 2011 Class will show attendees simple steps to greatly reduce consumers’ burdens on landfills, while decreasing household garbage removal costs.


This program is hosted at and by the Illinois Valley library, branch of Josephine Community Libraries, 209 West Palmer Street, Cave Junction (behind Carlos’ Restaurant). FREE.


For more information call Kate Dwyer, branch manager of the Illinois Valley library at 541-592-4778. [Regular library hours: Wednesday 2-6, Friday 11-3, Saturday 12-4]


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