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
  • Check out our Recyclopedia Needham resource for information on how to donate/dispose of specific items

References:

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/population_and_sustainability/sustainability/plastic_bag_facts.html

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0262-stopping-unsolicited-mail-phone-calls-and-email

 

Resources

Documents
Links on the Web
Bay State Recycling
Recycles worn, ripped and stained textiles into insulation, carpet padding, soundproofing material, and industrial wiping cloths.
Beyond Plastics
Beyond Plastics - Plastic Free/Zero Waste Holiday Gift Guide
Green Needham Recyclopedia
Needham Recycling and Transfer Station
Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles
Educational Resource for Textile Recycling
South Shore Recycling Cooperative
Provides support and education for correct recycling and waste minimization practices
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