When people think of waste reduction their first thought is blue box-type recycling programs run by government agencies. While government recycling programs are important, there are many other ways that local residents and businesses can play a direct role in reducing waste. Here are just a few:
Launch a zero waste business where all the products sold have no packaging or are provide in reusable, returnable packaging.
Establish composting systems at a school, community centre or any other facility where food is consumed.
Set up a reuse store or repair shop where people can drop off household guides and used building materials for repair and re-sale.
Organize a zero-waste event, such as a clothing swap or potluck dinner with disposable cutlery and plates, which reduce waste and build community at the same time.
Create a sharing shed or lending library where local residents can contribute items that they rarely use, such as power tools, lawn mowers, and hiking gear and then allow other residents to borrow or rent them.
Make a large bulk buy for products that have recycled content such as recycled paper or that can be reused such a reusable canning jars. By ordering in large quantities it is possible to buy those green products at the same or lower price than their non-green alternatives.
The best approaches are generally those that focus on the first two of the three Rs, reduction and reuse. We are doing pretty well at recycling as a society but we can do a lot better at reusing goods and avoiding the creation of waste in the first place through simple lifestyle changes.
