4 Simple Ways to Reduce Waste
In our last blog post we gave you an overview on litter. Today we want to offer you a few tools to reduce waste in your daily life. Committing to new behaviors takes some adjustment, but these small changes are easy to make and add up to big improvements.
Go for Reusables
If you want to keep the amount of waste you generate low, start with not acquiring single-use products in the first place. Easier said than done in some arenas (we have little choice when it comes to food packaging, for example) but doable in many aspects of life. Get in the habit of using reusable grocery bags, coffee cups, and water bottles whenever possible. If you find you eat on-the-go frequently, invest in a set of bamboo utensils. Bring along a handkerchief to act as your napkin.
More and more reusable items are available lately, from sponges to cling wrap alternatives. These will slowly replace the disposables in your life, and you don’t need to invest all at once. Pick one reusable, set a goal for integrating it into your routine, then move to the next.
Keep Your Waste in its Place
One of the best ways to keep waste in its place is to have a plan for your trash before you go out. Keep Tennessee Beautiful has written a useful list of tips, including keeping a trash bag in your car, paying attention to nearby receptacles, ensuring your outdoor trash cans have properly fitting lids, and being prepared to pick up after your outdoor pets. Remember, if you’re out and about and can’t find a trash can (or they’re all overflowing), pocket or carry your garbage instead of leaving it on the ground.
Become an Expert Recycler
Familiarize yourself with what can and can’t be recycled in your area. Start by entering your zip code into Pinellas County’s A-Z Recycling Guide. Then, when you’re shopping, if it’s not possible to refuse single-use items, look for items that can be correctly recycled. Don’t forget to share your knowledge! Many people think recycling is difficult because it differs from place to place. Help your family and friends understand how important recycling can be, and how easy it is once you know what you’re doing.
Get Involved in Community Action
We all need to do our part to put waste in its place and reduce the single-use items we consume. But we also need to tackle the litter that’s already in the environment. Pick up litter whenever you see it and become a volunteer to help keep your community clean. If you’re ready to start today, get involved by joining this season’s Great American Cleanup through KBP’s #PickUpPinellas campaign.
Reducing waste is important for many reasons, including keeping our neighborhoods and ecosystems clean, and preventing debris from entering waterways. Once in the water, litter may harm wildlife or break down into microplastics, which are tiny pieces of plastic that are almost impossible to clean up. Every piece of litter you pick up matters. Leave us a comment and let us know your favorite waste-reduction method!