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Buy, use, toss. Buy, use, toss. It’s a cycle that American consumers repeat millions of times per day.

But many people want to change their participation in this pattern. They want to make more responsible choices about

what they purchase, and

what they do with the packaging that surrounds it.

Recycling is one responsible way to handle one’s trash. It is a good start. But as recyclers know, not all materials can be reclaimed.
What can you do with your stash of treasures and trash? Buy with an eye towards reducing waste. Here are some practical suggestions.

REDUCE what you accumulate through your purchases.

Ask yourself: "Do I already have this? Do I need it? Will I actually use it?"

REJECT hazardous materials when there are less toxic or non-toxic alternatives.

Take advantage of the Co-op’s brochures on environmentally friendly or "green" cleaners that you can make at home. They work, and they save you money!

Alternatively, shop for "green" commercially made home cleaning products in the Grocery aisle.

RETHINK your dependence on excessive packaging. Packaging accounts for an estimated nine percent of the grocery bill. The average household spends over $400 annually on packaging alone.

Shop in the Co-op’s Bulk aisle where product packaging is limited to a single bag.

Select products that come with minimal packaging. Favor biodegradable packaging over non-recyclable plastics.

REUSE items until they wear out. This may involve creativity as you find new uses for something that is durable and still functional.

REPAIR rather than replace.

RECYCLE so that the raw materials can be captured and made useful again.

COMPOST plant materials, such as kitchen food waste, lawn clippings, leaves, and other biodegradable materials.

It is estimated that nearly 30 percent of American trash could be composted.

Learn more about composting and organic produce.

BUY LOCAL PRODUCTS. Products from local farms and craftspeople don’t need a lot of protective packaging because they are made close to the consumer.

Traveling fewer miles to reach the consumer, local products contribute less to transportation-related forms of pollution.