🛒 Shop Smart

Opting for products with minimal or recyclable packaging is a simple yet effective way to reduce waste. The EPA encourages consumers to choose products that are durable and reusable, thereby decreasing the need for single-use items that contribute significantly to waste accumulation. EPA

🍽️ Minimize Food Waste

Food waste is a significant issue globally. In the United States, over one-third of produced food goes to waste, contributing substantially to methane emissions in landfills. The EPA highlights that 58% of landfill methane emissions originate from food waste, exacerbating climate change. AP News Implementing strategies to reduce food waste, such as planning meals and proper food storage, can have a positive environmental impact.

🧴 Choose Reusables

Replacing single-use items like plastic bottles and bags with reusable alternatives can significantly cut down on daily waste. The EPA emphasizes the importance of reusing products to reduce the need for new materials and decrease waste generation. EPA

🧹 Repurpose and Recycle

Before discarding items, consider if they can be repurposed or recycled. The EPA promotes the waste management hierarchy, which encourages reducing waste at the source, reusing products, and recycling materials to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. EPA

🌱 Compost Organic Waste

Composting food scraps and yard waste reduces landfill burden and provides nutrient-rich soil for gardening. The EPA supports composting as a method to divert organic waste from landfills, thereby reducing methane emissions and enriching soil health. EPA

🌍 Why It Matters

Reducing waste conserves natural resources, saves energy, and decreases pollution. The EPA notes that reducing and reusing can lower greenhouse gas emissions, prevent pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials, and save energy. EPA

Start with one small change today. Whether it's bringing a reusable bag to the store or planning your meals to minimize food waste. Every action counts.