When it comes to minimizing the waste that you produce in your daily life people just need to refer to the 3 R's - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It is not only about whether or not you are recycling what you can use, but are you using too much or could you extend the life of a normal product.

In today's world many businesses and manufacturer's are now beginning to offer environmentally friendly products that fit one of the 3 categories discussed above in this section. In the United States these practices are starting to become more common place where as in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand they have may more headway. These businesses not only put a focus on creating better products, but also using recycled materials such as plastic which will help to curb the amount of disposable plastic available in the marketplace as well as the dyes that are used in creation. One thing to note though is that the amount of resources needed to use recycled materials such as steel sometimes is not the best solution for the environment.

Reduce - You the consumer are the line of first defense and it all starts by considering the amount of something you truly need in your home. Make sure you evaluate your own waste in your household. We have all been in the position where we are throwing away unused products. It is important to make sure that for our own budgets as well as the environment we are making effective purchasing decisions. This all starts by evaluating what you need against what you want, and making purchasing decisions with a game plan. In today's economy you can help the environment as well as your wallet.

Reuse - This starts by simply choosing items that you do not need to dispose of such as reusable food containers or bottles that you can wash rather than throw away such as paper cups, plastic wrap, or plastic baggies. By simply getting items that you will reuse you will also reduce the flow of that waste which then requires someone to take the initiative to recycle it. In most grocery store chains you will now see totes or canvas bags that can be reused. Most of all make sure that you are donating your old items to the Salvation Army or local Shelter even when you can not reuse something there are many less fortunate that could benefit.

Recycle - This is a gigantic industry which incorporates anything from materials to specifically designed processes in order to prevent us from using the Earth's resources as well as reducing energy consumption. If you do not have access to recycling bins please check your local waste disposal services as they will typically provide a receptacle. Also, one commonly unknown fact is that not only does Recycling decrease our use of resources, but it typically saves a significant amount of energy to produce. In some cases 95% such as aluminum cans.

Most of these decisions also have an economic impact in terms of a financial return whether it is a tax break for a donation or simply decreasing your spend financially because you are reusing items. Please inquire in the community if your line of business is unique or ask our members how they are able to work this into their daily lives.