At the Store

Take the steps below when shopping to reduce the amount of waste you generate.

Choose products with minimal packaging to reduce waste. Packaging materials account for a significant amount of the trash we generate. Consider buying items in bulk or those with minimal packaging (e.g., items such as fruit, vegetables, and even tools are available in bins and do not require packaging.
Identify products and practices to reduce waste toxicity. Choose products with reduced toxicity, such as batteries with reduced mercury. Simple guidelines will help you identify alternative options and to replace many products-pesticides, cleaners, polishes, deodorizers, and others-that contain hazardous components.

Consider reusable products - Many products are designed to be used more than once, such as cloth napkins, dishcloths, rechargeable batteries, refillable containers, and washable utensils.
Maintain and repair durable products - Choose and maintain durable items such as clothing, tires, furniture, luggage, and appliances that are less likely to wear out or break. Although durable products sometimes cost more initially, their extended life span often offsets the higher cost and saves money over the product life.
Reuse bags, containers, and other items - Purchase reusable shopping bags or reuse the paper or plastic ones. Before discarding containers, consider if it is hygienic and practical to reuse them. Be creative!
Borrow, rent, or share items used infrequently - Before you buy seldom-used items, like certain power tools and party goods, first consider renting or borrowing them.

Choose recyclable products - Identify items and/or packaging that can be recycled, and then be sure to recycle them! Our landfills are full of recyclable products that were discarded.
Select products made from recycled materials - Look for recycled content whenever possible, including paper, glass, metal, plastic, and other items. Understand product labeling and know how to identify recycled products.