Courtesy : portal.ct.gov

Waste reduction

Waste reduction (consuming less and/or throwing away less) is also referred to as pollution prevention, source reduction and pre-recycling and results in a reduction in the amount and/or toxicity of waste generated. Waste is generated throughout the life cycle of a product, beginning with extraction of raw materials, throughout transportation, processing and manufacturing, during use and by its disposal at the end of its useful life.

In general, reduction and reuse are cost-saving, resource-conserving, environmentally sound alternatives to traditional forms of solid waste management.

• What Is Waste Reduction?
• Ideas to Get Started Reducing the Amount of our Trash
• Ideas to Get Started Reducing the Toxicity of our Trash
• General Waste Reduction Resources
• Waste Reduction Resources for Businesses
• Waste Reduction Resources for Schools
• Waste Reduction Resources for Universities
• Waste Reduction Resources for Municipalities
• Food Waste Reduction & Recovery
• Helpful Organizations
• Pollution Prevention
• Zero Waste

What is Waste Reduction?

Waste reduction is anything that reduces waste by using less material in the first place. Reducing waste can be as simple as using both sides of a sheet of paper, using ceramic mugs instead of disposable cups, or buying in bulk rather than individually packaged items. The end result for producing less waste is money saved, resources conserved, pollution reduced, and landfill space saved.

The idea is not to generate waste, but to  reduce waste at or near the source of generation (in our homes, businesses, and institutions). Practicing waste reduction and reuse are the best ways to divert the growing volume of waste.

Reducing waste reduces needless consumption. Reducing needless consumption preserves renewable and non renewable resources. Reducing waste conserves energy and reduces the air, soil, and water contamination that is often caused by the manufacture of those materials and supplies that become waste, and from the fossil fuel powered transportation that delivers those goods and hauls them away after they become waste. Reducing waste also reduces the use of landfills and resource recovery facilities.

Is it the Same as Recycling?

No. Recycling is an important part of any waste management strategy, however, the greatest environmental benefits are achieved through source reduction or waste prevention and reuse . Consider a simple example: we can reduce trash disposal and save raw materials if we collect plastic grocery bags for recycling and incorporate them into a new product such as plastic lumber. However, a better option would be to take no bag at all, as no natural resources or energy are used to first produce, then collect and reprocess disposable bags. Using a reusable canvas or string bag would have similar environmental benefits as the bag could replace thousands of disposable bags over its useful life. Any organization reviewing their waste management strategy should first consider ways to reduce waste and incorporate reusable products to achieve the maximum benefit to the environment.

How Do We Practice Waste Reduction?

Like we practice most new things, take on a new strategy one at a time. Once you’ve mastered one strategy in your home, business or institution, add more.

Waste reduction is the highest priority in the hierarchy of effective waste management and is generally acknowledged to have the greatest benefits. It is also perhaps the most challenging option for managing waste since it involves changes in how we live, work and have fun.

Ideas to Get Started: Reducing the Amount of Our Trash