As good eco-readers undoubtedly know, preventing waste before it
is created is the simple best way to address our waste management
problems. It
’s been quite some time since I addressed this topic head-on so
here are both some defining concepts along with practical tips.
As good eco-readers undoubtedly know, preventing waste before it is created is the simple best way to address our waste management problems. It’s been quite some time since I addressed this topic head-on so here are both some defining concepts along with practical tips.
To begin with, let’s reiterate that waste prevention is defined as approaches we all can take to reduce or eliminate a waste before it is created or to reduce the toxicity of a waste.
• Downsize and eliminate. Evaluate the items you use or produce with an eye for waste prevention. Many everyday items can be redesigned to produce less waste and consume fewer resources – while still accomplishing the job. For example, packing materials can be reduced or eliminated, the use of trash can liners can be eliminated, and postcards can be used instead of envelopes.
• Use reusable containers whenever possible to reduce the need for aluminum foil, plastic bags and plastic wraps. Reusable plastic sandwich boxes, for example, eliminate the need for plastic bags while offering more protection for the sandwich.
• Think durable. Consider how long an item will last before you make the purchase. Often a cheaper item will wear out long before its more durable equivalent.
• Have regularly scheduled payments subtracted from your bank account automatically. This eliminates the need for bills, checks, envelopes and postage. Many companies offer small economic incentives for doing business this way.
• Carry reusable food containers to restaurants to eliminate the need for disposable Adoggie bags@ or Styrofoam containers.
• Return your hangers to dry cleaners. Most dry cleaners will accept their own hangers back when you are dropping off clothes. If your dry cleaners won’t, bring your hangers to the thrift store where they can use them for displays. Most thrift stores will appreciate receiving your extra paper and plastic bags too.
• Compost food & yard waste at home to keep them out of the waste management system. Put them into the soil as a valuable amendment.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn instead of collecting them. Clippings left on the lawn decompose quickly and release valuable nutrients back into the soil.
• Design your garden with waste prevention in mind. Xeriscapes, gardens designed to use less water, produce far fewer clippings than traditional suburban gardens. Ask your local water supplier or nursery for information about xeriscapes and other garden designs that produce less waste.
• Go organic in the garden. Reduce or eliminate the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers by using natural methods of pest control and soil enhancement. Numerous books and resource documents are available that provide detailed information on organic gardening.
Maintain your drain the natural way. Special enzyme products are available to help prevent household drain backups. Use these products to reduce the need to unclog drains or try cleaning your drains regularly with boiling water. When your drain does clog up, use a plunger or plumber’s snake instead of chemical products.
• Use a solution of lemon juice and water to clean glass and other surfaces.
• Use cedar chips and other natural herbs to repel moths instead of using mothballs.
• Keep your tires rotated and properly inflated to keep them rolling longer.
These ideas have been excerpted from a larger list that is available free to residents. Give us a call at 779-7247 to receive your copy.
Eco-Web Pages of the Week: As you might expect, there are a huge number of web sites dedicated to the topic of waste prevention. Check out http://dnr.metrokc.gov/swd/nwpc/wpnew.htm for the home page of the National Waste Prevention Coalition.
Anthony Eulo is an assistant to the city manager who dutifully returns his hangers to the drycleaners. He welcomes your questions, comments and thoughts, and can be reached at
en*****@mo*********.gov
or 779-7247.
