Ways to Reduce Waste

As an environmental studies major, I am always confronted with recycling campaigns. Although recycling is better than tossing something in a landfill, it is not the most efficient process. The best option is simply reduce the amount of waste we produce. Also, in the United States, one third of the food produced is wasted. Think about that. At some point in my life, I would love to go zero waste but currently that is a difficult option as I am a college student and I live with my parents during breaks. Below is a list of tips that will make reducing your waste footprint much easier.

Image from Post Landfill

• Avoid buying products that have unnecessary packaging. Generally, I like to avoid anything with Styrofoam or plastic wrap. See image at right.
• Buy misshapen/discounted food. Ugly food still tastes good! I promise!
• Grocery shop often, buying only a few days' worth of produce at a time.
• Buy in bulk! Even better, take reusable containers from home to participating stores and fill up.
• Avoid single serving products (e.g., hummus cups, fruit cups, bags of chips, etc.). 
• Buy fresh food from local farmers markets. 
• Take home and eat leftovers from restaurants.
• Recycle properly. Rinse bottles, toss caps, and don't put things in the bin that can't be recycled. Check your local recycling center/pickup to see what can be recycled.
• Share food with others to keep portions under control.
• Encourage restaurants and stores to donate leftover/excess food. Not everything can be donated but when food shelves receive any produce or fresh food, it means the world. Why waste food when it can bring someone great joy?
• If you do end up with food scraps/waste, compost it! If you don't have your own compost (which I highly recommend you should do), there are many industrial compost collectors around the United States or you can donate food scraps to local farms/gardens.
• Keep track of produce ripening and food expiration.
• Use reusable bags everywhere you go. If you enter a store/market, always take reusable bags with you, even if you aren't 100% sure you'll buy something. Keep some in your car, bike, or bag/backpack.
• Switch to smaller dishes to control portion sizes.
• Blend bruised fruit into smoothies, pies, or sauces.
• Ditch disposable products. We really don't need paper towels, paper napkins, paper cups, diapers, pads/tampons, etc. There are reusable options available!
• Buy less. As a culture we are constantly buying new things. Think about something for a while before buying it and ask yourself a few questions: Do I need this? Is this something that will benefit me for a long run? How much waste does this produce? Was it produced sustainably/humanely? 
• Freeze/can/dry excess produce.
• Choose soaps/shampoos/conditioners/etc. that have minimal packaging and packaging that can easily be recycled.
• Donate any clothes, books, appliances, furniture, toys, etc. that you no longer want/need.
• Use reusable containers. Plastic sandwich bags are 100% unnecessary. 
• Create your own! The best way to reduce waste is creating your own food items, toiletries, cleaners, etc. Here are some DIY recipes:
• Hummus
• Guacamole
• Oatmeal
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Multi-purpose Cleaner


• "In a spray bottle, combine 1⁄2 cup white distilled vinegar with 1 cup water, and add 10 to 20 drops of tea tree, lavender, lemon or eucalyptus essential oil. Shake well before using." (Mother Earth Living)