The core message of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" is to consume less and produce as little waste as possible. 

It’s an old slogan, but it's also a great adage to keep you focused on the daily steps to create less waste.

Did you know that the words are in the order of preference for real waste control? Reduce what you use first; then reuse what you do consume; and when waste is created, recycle it if possible.

REDUCE

Reducing your purchases saves money—and putting that same money into experiences shared with family and friends is a sure way to see the value of purchasing less stuff. Of course, we can’t go without purchases altogether, but there are still ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce.

• Buy products with little or no packaging.

• Eliminate all but essential single-use products. (Using less paper is a place to start!)

• Don’t buy food packaged in single servings.

• Use more biodegradable products.

• Compost (at home or in your community).

• Bring reusable bags to the grocery store, Target (5¢ rebate per bag!), or any store.

• Look for quality products that will last longer than cheaply made alternatives.

REUSE

Reusing reduces waste by using durable goods that will do a job again and again, not just once or twice.

• Use rags instead of paper towels for cleaning.

• Participate in clothing swaps.

• Exchange zip-top plastic bags for reusable wrappers—or go ahead and use that plastic baggie a few more times.

• Have a yard sale.

• Trade books with friends.

• Purchase a stainless steel water bottle.

• Swap outgrown toys with other families.

• Donate items you no longer want to local charities.

• Repurposing and regifting count too. Before anything from your home becomes waste, consider whether it might have another use or someone you know might be able to use it.

RECYCLE

The goal of recycling is to decrease the need for new materials, which saves energy, reduces pollution, and decreases the overall amount of waste in the landfill. Curbside recycling programs are common in many urban and suburban areas, now serving more than 50% of US residents, and most transfer stations offer recycling as well.

Research the programs in your area by contacting your city or county or reviewing their websites, and know what you can turn in to be recycled. Number one and number two plastics, glass and aluminum, and paper are the most common items to be recycled. New programs are now being developed by retailers (such as Best Buy and Apple) to handle electronics that contain harmful chemicals that leech into landfills.

On the other side of the process, recycled plastic is being turned into everything from carpets to clothing. Glass can live on through consumer items, such as beautiful countertops, as well as in industrial abrasives and water filtration systems. We are now recycling more paper than is put into landfills.