The most important part of home waste reduction is as simple as reducing the amount of unnecessary waste you create on a daily or even weekly basis. Here are some easy ways to reduce your waste:
Avoid impulse buying. Buy only things you absolutely need or things you will use often. When you do buy things, try buying second-hand or find products with the smallest amount of packaging.
Don't take freebies (keychains, stickers, etc...) or pamphlets that are often given out at events and other such occasions.
For school and work, don't make hard copies of documents unless it is absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, print the least number of copies possible.
Unsubscribe to junk mail.
Subscribe to electronic magazines instead of getting hard copies.
Use online receipts and opt for online billing instead of receiving hard copies.
Meal plan before you go shopping. This strategy can help reduce impulse purchases and make your shopping trips more efficient.
Buy non-perishable items in bulk. Bulk items contain less packaging and can also reduce your number of trips to the store.
Reduce your energy consumption by drying clothes on a line instead of in the dryer, turning off lights when leaving a room, and turning off water while brushing your teeth.