ENVIRONMENTAL SHOPPING
- Waste
disposal costs the U.S. more than $10 billion a year!
- Each
of us produces about 5 pounds of trash a day; 1800 pounds
a year.
- We
landfill 65%, incinerate 10%, and recycle 25% of our trash.
- Almost
half of what we throw away is recyclable!
- Packaging
accounts for 33% of municipal waste, 65% of which is landfilled!
- When
we buy only the products we need, with the least amount
of packaging, and use only recycled or recyclable packaging,
we send less trash to the landfills and incinerators, and
help protect the environment!
- Become
an Environmental Shopper and reduce the trash we dispose
of by as much as 50%!
- Kick
the disposal habit!
Learn the 5-R's:
- REDUCE
the amount of waste we produce
- REUSE
as much as possible
- RECYCLE
the recyclable
- REJECT
over-packaging and products that are hazardous
to the environment
- REACT
by joining with other consumers to let manufacturers
and government know your views.
- Buy
only what you need
- Buy
products with the least amount of packaging
- Buy
products in recycled or recyclable packaging
- Avoid
disposable products which are not recyclable
- Buy
the larger size or in bulk when possible
If
you can't reuse it, find someone else who can:
- Appliances
- Boxes
- Clothing
- Containers
- Grocery
bags
- Wrapping
paper
Learn what is recyclable in your community. Items collected
may vary.
- Aluminum
- Corrugated
cardboard
- Glass
- Motor
oil
- Newsprint
- Office
Paper
- Paperboard
- Some
plastics
- Steel
cans
- Write
to manufacturers and support products and packaging that
are less harmful to the environment. Discourage:
-over-packaging
-non-recycled packaging
-environmentally harmful products
- Call
manufacturers' 800 numbers (listed on many packages) to
voice your opinion.
- Contact
elected officials to request that government at all levels
use more recycled products.
- Ask
merchants to provide bags made from recycled materials or
use your own bag.
- Request
that your local newspaper use more recycled newsprint.
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