North Country Recycles - Reduce
Reduce

Each day we consume a variety of products that ultimately end up in our landfills. But, by reducing our waste consumption, there are so many more benefits than we can count, like:

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change;
  • Preventing pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials;
  • Saving energy;
  • Helping to sustain the environment for future generations;
  • Reducing the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators;
  • Allowing products to be used to their fullest extent;
  • Saving money.

Source: EPA   

There are many SIMPLE ways to reduce our consumption of goods.  

Work and School

  • Only print what you need and use recycled paper
  • Donate supplies you don't need
  • Email instead of mail and file things electronically
  • Take notes electronically
  • Get better quality items so they last longer

Eating and Drinking

  • Use reusable dishware
  • Only buy groceries that you need
  • Compost food scraps
  • Donate extra food & drink
  • Keep track of expiration dates

Clothing

  • Buy from stores that create and reuse sustainable products
  • Buy from the thrift shop
  • Donate any unwanted apparel
  • Reuse unwanted clothing as clothes for cleaning
  • Swap, share, and repurpose your clothes

Energy Usage

  • Shut down electronics when not in use
  • Turn all lights off when not needed
  • Keep room temperatures at energy-efficient rates
  • Buy energy-conserving equipment
  • Modernize with energy-saving home improvements

Travel

  • Buy energy-efficient vehicles
  • Think about carpooling before traveling alone; if travel is short, think about walking or biking
  • Use telecommunication instead of physically being there if that is an option
  • Conserve fuel by eliminating unnecessary travel

Holidays

  • Use reusable bags when shopping
  • Reuse ribbons, bags, and bows
  • Recycle delivery boxes and wrapping paper
  • Use LED holiday lights to conserve energy
  • Give experiences instead of material presents

Tools and Gadgets

  • Get a composting bin to create soil for your garden
  • Try to refurbish or recycle electronic waste when it no longer works
  • Keep your equipment in good condition (clean, don't overcharge, have a protective case)
  • Try to buy only the equipment you need, not the latest, trendy item
  • Organize and keep track of the equipment you have so you don't buy duplicates

At Home

  • Unsubscribe to any unwanted mail, magazines, or catalogs
  • Buy used or recycled furniture
  • Provide your home with filtered water instead of bottled water
  • Attempt to repair broken items instead of just throwing them away
  • Buy non-perishable items in bulk