Why aim to reduce your waste? The EPA estimates that we use 380 billion plastic bags/wraps each year. Plastic is now everywhere, including in our seafood and drinking water. The junk mail that we receive destroys 100 million trees a year—the equivalent of deforesting all of Rocky Mountain National Park every four months.
Work towards zero waste by taking the following actions:
- Bring your own reusable bags when shopping, or carry out items by hand
- Grocery bags, produce bags, and shopping bags
- Stop buying bottled water
- Take reusable items to events (or work)
- Regular cups, plates, and utensils instead of disposables
- Limit disposable items at home
- Cloth napkins instead of paper napkins
- Rags in place of paper towels
- Reusable sandwich bags
- Cloth diapers
- Reduce junk mail
- Consider packaging when making purchase decisions
- Buy food in bulk when available
- Avoid single serving packages
- Fix or re-purpose items rather than discarding them
- Reduce your plastic use
- Buy or rescue gently used items
- Needham Community Council thrift shop
- RTS swap shop Note: Re-opened in Sept. 2021, but going forward, will be on a seasonal schedule – open from April 1st through Nov. 30th.
- Check out our Recyclopedia Needham resource for information on how to donate/dispose of specific items
References:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email
Resources
Documents
- 11/2/22 Recycling & Solid Waste Forum – Needham DPW RSW Presentation
- 11/2/22 Recycling & Solid Waste Forum – Casella Presentation
- NRC Press Release: China and Recyclables 051518
Links on the Web
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Bay State Recycling
Recycles worn, ripped and stained textiles into insulation, carpet padding, soundproofing material, and industrial wiping cloths. |
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Beyond Plastics
Beyond Plastics - Plastic Free/Zero Waste Holiday Gift Guide |
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Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles
Educational Resource for Textile Recycling |
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South Shore Recycling Cooperative
Provides support and education for correct recycling and waste minimization practices |