Why aim to reduce your waste?  Because we produce so much of it, often unnecessarily and/or for mere convenience.  The EPA estimates that Americans use over 4 million tons of plastic bags/wraps each year.  According to the Product Stewardship Institute, the junk mail that clutters our mailboxes adds up to 100 billion pieces each year. Worldwide, more than 400 million tonnes (440 million US tons) of plastic are produced every year, half of which are single use items.  We can and must do better – we must use less, and for the stuff we do use, make it as sustainable as possible.

Work towards zero waste by taking the following actions


Reduce or Eliminate Your Use of Single-use Items

    • Bring your own reusable bags when shopping, or carry out items by hand if no bag is needed. This avoids both plastic and paper bags. Reusable bags also take energy to produce, so use them as long as possible.
    • Stop buying bottled water – buy a reusable water bottle and fill it up wherever you go.  (Stainless steel and glass are two alternatives to plastic water bottles.) If you are worried about the quality of your tap water, read the Town of Needham Water Quality Report.  For another layer of protection, you can buy a water filter.
    • Take reusable items to events (or work) – regular cups, plates, and utensils instead of disposables.
    • Bring your own container for leftovers at a restaurant.
    • Use real plates, cups and silverware at home instead of disposable products.
    • Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins and rags in place of paper towels.
    • When traveling or to prepare for eating somewhere that doesn’t have silverware, you can easily put together your own set of travel utensils.
    • Need some help?  Check out Green Needham’s Alternative to Plastics in our Homes web page.

Refuse Unwanted Stuff, and Proactively Choose Minimal and/or Sustainable Packaging

    • Refuse “free” unsolicited stuff that you neither need not want.
    • Seek out and choose either minimal or recyclable/compostable packaging choices when shopping online.
    • Avoid single serving packaging and single-use utensils  (now that Skip the Stuff is mandated in Needham, such items are only to be given in take-out or delivery orders upon request).
    • Buy food in bulk when available.

Reduce Paper Use
Eliminate unwanted junk mail that’s cluttering up your mailbox!

    • Opt out prescreen – “Opt out” of unsolicited credit card offers for five years or permanently.
    • Catalog Choice – non-profit online resource that helps you cancel the catalogs that you do not want to receive.
    • Direct Marketing Association (DMA) choice – website that allows you to reduce unsolicited mailings from companies with which you have no relationship.

Get more ideas! Moving Towards Zero Waste — Top 10 Actions You Can Take

See also Participating in the Circular Economy

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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