Reduce at home

Simple steps will reduce waste at home.

• Use sturdy washable utensils and dishes for picnics, outdoor parties and potlucks.
• Use cloth napkins. Reach for a sponge or dishcloth instead of a paper towel to clean up.
• If you need to buy more of a chemical than is needed for a project, careful storage must be available. Store household chemicals away from children and pets. A high shelf in your basement, away from sparks and flames, is a good storage location. With careful storage, most chemicals will stay usable for years and can be used for future projects.
• Use direct withdrawal for paying bills. A statement verifying the charges is sent for review before the money is withdrawn from your account.
• Encourage companies that bill monthly to use two-way mailing envelopes.
• Use up existing home chemicals, like paint, paint stripper, paint thinner and other chemicals, before buying more. You'll save money by not having to buy new products for each project.
• When you have to use a battery-powered appliance or toy, choose rechargeable batteries* or use an AC adaptor whenever possible. Keep in mind that after rechargeable batteries will no longer accept a charge, they may not be put in the garbage but must be collected separately.
  
  *Battery manufacturers caution that rechargeables should not be used in smoke detectors and in other items where use is infrequent.

For more ways to reduce waste at home, visit reduce.org.