Reducing Consumption

Perhaps the most effective way is to tackle the problem at the root. By making a conscious effort to be aware of our habits that are wasteful and/or inefficient, we can reduce our consumption and simplify our lifestyle in order to minimize waste.

Our goal, once this section has grown, is to input all the information as well as new information in to a searchable database where all you need to do is type in a key word for easier use of looking for a way to reduce.

 EASY WAYS TO "REDUCE" YOUR PERSONAL CONSUMPTION:

  • Invest in your own personal mug and use this instead of buying a Styrofoam/paper cup every time you pick up a cup of coffee/tea/juice.
  • Invest in cloth bags for your grocery shopping, instead of relying on grocer's plastic bags. Better yet, try bins that you can stack neatly in your car when they are empty. Bin shopping, it's taking off.
  • Pack your own lunch in reusable containers. You'll not only save money and cut down on garbage, but you'll likely be eating healthier, too.

 EASY WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION:

  • Buy durable, quality products that will last - spending the extra dollar or so for a quality item will pay for itself in the long run.
  • Buy multi-use items rather than single-use when possible (example: a wipe-off calendar rather than buying a new one every year).
  • Use rechargeable batteries. They may seem more expensive initially but they can be recharged and reused up to 100 times.
  • Buy items in bulk and refillable containers so that you don't get a new container every time you refill. This also saves money because things in bulk and concentrate are usually cheaper. If you do this with commonly bought items you will help reduce consumption in many areas of transport waste.
  • Use Energy Smart bulbs for your house and place of work to cut down on power consumption and cost.
  • Try out LED bulbs for your flashlights. They use 90% less energy than regular lights, have battery lives 10x as long and the bulbs are guaranteed for at least 5 years.
  • Avoid junk mail by posting a NO BULK MAIL sign on your mailbox and staying away from 'contests' that ask you to fill out all your contact information and drop it in a slot. Most of these are 'fishing' expeditions to get people's home addresses and emails for solicitation.
  • Use both sides of every sheet of paper. It's amazing how much paper you can save.
  • If you are looking at new appliances, check in to new energy and water smart appliances. They are out there and they work.

 EASY WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR WORKPLACE CONSUMPTION:

  • Use rechargeable batteries. They may seem more expensive initially but they can be recharged and reused up to 100 times.
  • At your home or your office, invest in a 2-sided printer. Or some universities and offices have a bin of used paper with one blank side, so that it can be used to print something off if it's only needed for reference. Just supply a picture so people don't waste ink figuring which way to put the used paper in.
  • Use Energy Smart bulbs for your house and place of work to cut down on power consumption and cost.
  • Paper used on only one side like faxes can be used for it's other side by stacking and cutting in to four and you have an instant note pad.
  • If you work in an office, consider if you really need to print that e-mail. The beauty of using e-mail is supposed to be the speed and the reduced need to use paper. Also, instead of handing a memo copy out to each and every person at the office, post it up somewhere visible where everyone can have a look.

 EASY WAYS TO REDUCE CONSUMPTION IN YOUR COMMUNITY:

  • Learn to share! Share your books, magazines, and newspapers with your friends. You usually only read them a few times. Sharing saves money and spares you the clutter, too.
  • Support your local economy by buying local products and reducing transport waste.
  • Shop in bulk with your family/friends to reduce packaging waste. Meat is a good bulk buy because you can go to the farm and they will usually coordinate the butchering for you. This way all middle-men, distribution, packaging, and delivery process are eliminated.
  • Rent or borrow items you use infrequently. How many long ladders does one street need?
  • Support your community's recycling programs. They're working for everyone's future - including your children's.