Recyclemania Week 4: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

This is our last week!

Reduce. "Reduce" means using fewer resources in the first place. "Reduce" is a comparative word. It means: cut back from where you are now.

Consider that when shopping look for things that will last -- things that are not just durable and well-made, but useful and beautiful enough to please you for a long time. The extra money you spend on their acquisition will be offset by the money you do not spend in replacing them.

When you make a purchase, find out how to keep the item  properly maintained. Well maintained equipment will generally last longer.

In addition, try these ways of reducing your use (and abuse) of resources:
-Buy products made from post-consumer recycled materials, especially paper and bathroom tissue.
-Choose electronics and appliances that are energy-efficient, look for the energy star.
-Look for cars that are energy efficient
-Buy stuff made locally. Less energy was used transporting them to the store. Buying locally helps keep jobs close to home.
-Avoid overly packaged goods. The packaging is a total throw-away.
-Avoid things made with toxic materials, such as most household cleansers.
-Waste less energy on lights and equipment.
-Eat less meat and consider using more organic products
-Consider donating usable items to Good Will Industries of Saint Vincent DePaul or Easter Seals.  These charitable organizations love to get donated items to either provide free of charge or resell at low cost to folks in need.

Reuse. Before you recycle or dispose of anything, consider whether it has life left in it. A jam jar can store leftovers. Food scraps can become compost. An old shirt can become a pajama top. An opened envelope can become a shopping list. A magazine can be shared. DVDs can be traded. A dishwasher can be repaired. A computer can be upgraded. A car can be resold. A cell phone can be donated. Returnable bottles can be returned.

Reusing keeps new resources from being used for a while longer, and old resources from entering the waste stream. 

Recycle.Remember to recycle! Look for the BLUE recycling containers in each office and classroom and the containers with the recycling logo on the sides.  Please remember not to put trash or Kleenex or waste into the recycling. If there is waste in the recycling containers, these items must be disposed of in the landfill.

Questions?
Contact NMeyer[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Nancy Meyer) at (608) 243-4048.