Reducing the amount of trash you produce and reusing items whenever possible are the most effective ways to save landfill space and conserve natural resources.  With the ever-growing list of things we “must” have, or must replace, there is also an ever-growing pile of the things we discard along the way.

Everyday Hints to Reduce Trash

• Tell the cashier you don’t need a bag for small items. If you do take a bag, re-use it as a trash bag or recycling receptacle. Ask your grocery store where you can recycle your old bags.

• When purchasing “take out” food, leave out the disposable napkins and utensils if you’re on the way home.

• Bring your own “to go” containers to restaurants.

• Keep a coffee mug or sports bottle in the car. Some retailers offer a discount if you bring your own cup.

• Buy reusable bags for grocery shopping (most stores give a discount when you use them).

• Print double-sided, or use the back of discard paper for scratch paper.

• Make sure your trash makes it into the trash truck. Trash blown out of the car or curbside bin ends up in the storm drain system, which flows directly to the ocean unfiltered.

• Get a water filter and a re-usable, durable water bottle instead of purchasing bottled water.

• Bring lunch from home in a reusable container.

• Give unwanted household items to a thrift store or charity.

• Pay bills electronically (save paper and postage money).

• Use cloth towels and napkins instead of paper.

• Go to https://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailing to have your name removed from junk mail lists.