Minnesota’s Consumer Handbook to Reducing Waste

In one week, the average Minnesotan throws away more than 40 pounds of garbage. In 1997, there were 1.04 tons of waste discarded for every Minnesotan, and that number is rising.

Recycling is on the rise, too. In 1997 in Minnesota, 46% percent of our waste was recycled – nearly 2 million tons! But recycling alone won't keep up with our increasing amount of waste.

So, what can we do? We can look to the Three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and then Recycle. Minnesotans can learn to change their behavior and reduce the amount of waste they create.

This Consumer's Handbook to Reducing Waste can help, explaining the issues of waste, and offering ideas that individuals can put into practice every day.