The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place. Making a new product emits greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change andrequires a lot of materials and energy -raw materials must be extracted from the earth, and the product must be fabricated then transported to wherever it will be sold. As a result, reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources, protect the environmentand save money.
Upcoming Webinar
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Register here for the April 11th webinar from 1-2:15pm Eastern Time.
- Benefits of Reducing and Reusing
- Ideas on How to Reduce and Reuse
- Donation
Benefits of Reducing and Reusing
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
- Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials.
- Saves energy.
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change.
- Helps sustain the environment for future generations.
- Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators.
- Allows products to be used to their fullest extent.
- Saves money.
Ideas on How to Reduce and Reuse
- Think Green Before You Shop.Reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions by thinking green when you shop.
- Reduce your food wasteby shopping smart, buying what you need, composting food scraps, and donating unused food to food banks or shelters. More ways toreduceyour impact.
- Reuseor repurpose itemssuch as old clothing, cloth grocery bags, and containers to prevent waste.
- Buy used itemsto reduce waste as well as the emissions created by producing new materials or disposing of them in landfills.Donateunused clothing, electronics and building materials to make sure others can reuse them too!
- Buy products made with recycled content.Check labels to see if a product or its packaging is made fromrecycled materials.
- Know before you throw.Know what itemsyour local recycling programcollects and encourage your household torecycle right and recycle more.
- Learn aboutwhat elseyou can doat home, at school, at work and in your community!
- Maintain and repair products, like clothing,tiresand appliances, so that they won't have to be thrown out and replaced as frequently.
- Borrow,rentor share items that are used infrequently, like party decorations, tools or furniture.
Donation
One person's trash is another person's treasure. Instead of discarding unwanted appliances, toolsor clothes, try selling or donating them. Not only will you be reducing waste, you'll be helping others. Local churches, community centers, thrift stores, schoolsand nonprofit organizations may accept a variety of donated items, including used books, working electronicsand unneeded furniture.
Benefits of Donation
- Prevents usable goods from going into landfills
- Helps your community and those in need
- Tax benefits may be available
National Donation Resources
Disclaimer: These sites are listed for informational purposes only. U.S. EPA does not endorse any of these entities nor their services. Contact Us to suggest any additional links.
- Federal Trade Commission- Facts for Consumers on Charitable Donations
- Better Business Bureau- BBB Wise Giving Alliance
- FEMA- Volunteer and Donate Responsibly - tips for donating after a disaster.
Resources for Donating Specific Goods and Materials
Households and Personal Items
- Goodwill
- ClothingDonations.org(a service of Vietnam Veterans of America)
- Donate your used electronics
Building Materials
Vehicles
- American Institute of Philanthropy - Tips for Donating a Car to Charity
- Purple Heart
- If you’re looking to donate a vehicle to Goodwill, it’s best to give your local Goodwill organizationa call first to find out any rules or restrictions around these items.
