Enviroshopping and Waste Prevention

If you're not Enviroshopping, you're wasting valuable resources . . .including money.

As an Enviroshopper you can . . .

  • Stop Waste Before it Happens
  • Prevent Waste at its Source
  • Make Less Waste

You have the power to influence the types of products produced and sold.  Every time you buy you cast a vote of support for the product manufacturer and the store that sells it.  You can encourage the marketing of environmentally friendly products by buying them, and you may even save money in the process.

Here's how . . .

  • Avoid packaging by buying items loose or in bulk instead of in packages.

  • Minimize packaging by buying concentrates and larger sizes.  One large container usually contains less raw materials than multiple smaller containers.

  • Buy reusable and refillable containers.

  • Buy products packaged in recycled content or in packaging that is recyclable in Palm Beach County's program.

  • Buy safer natural alternatives to chemical cleaners, such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice (More safer alternatives).

 

Waste Prevention Tips at Home . . .

  • Use cloth towels instead of paper towels and avoid disposal paper or plastic cups and plates.
  • Shave with a reusable razor instead of a disposable razor.
  • Use rechargeable batteries.
  • Donate used clothing and other objects to charities.

at Work or School . . .

  • Make double-sided copies
  • Use the blank side of waste paper for notes and messages.
  • Proof documents on the screen several times before printing.
  • Reuse envelopes for interoffice mail.
  • Remove your name from mailing lists.
  • Remove duplicates from mailing lists.
  • Use email.
  • Circulate memos and reports rather than making multiple copies.
  • Buy supplies in bulk to reduce packaging.
  • Donate your old cell phones.
  • Drink out of a reusable mug.
Follow the 3 R's of Waste Prevention

Rent, don't buy things you're only going to use once, such as specialty tools or party supplies.

Reuse things instead of buying new.  Buy or sell at consignment shops, thrift shops, or online auctions.

Repair broken items instead of buying new, and properly maintain the things you have to make them last longer.

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