Make Less Waste (then keep it out of the landfill)
Who likes waste? Humanity has created innumerable systems and strategies to not waste time and energy. But physical waste? Here’s where we drop the ball. The focus of this column is to attack some of the fastest, most immediately impactful ways you can manage your physical waste with a minimum of time and energy. How’s that for efficiency?
Bulk Mail, Catalogs, Newspapers, Magazines
They are all ultimately destined for your trash or recycle bin. Eliminate random mailers and catalogues by signing up for DMA Choice and Catalog Choice. You can’t stop those pesky election mailers or mail addressed to ‘current resident,’ but you’ll be amazed at the overall reduction. Some catalogs require an extra step, which you can attack once the bulk is gone.
Entertain switching your newspaper and magazine subscriptions to digital. Yes, it’s different, but you’ll get used to it.
Online Shopping
This is not a debate on the merits or demerits of online shopping. The issue is to use it for purposeful consumption. Before you hit the ‘purchase’ button, ask yourself the following…
Do I need each and every item in my basket?
How fast do I really need these items?
Did I fill my basket with everything I need?
Is the convenience really worth the delivery fee?
And returns? The sad truth is, it is not economically feasible for the bulk of returns to be restocked, so they end up being sold at a discount to liquidators or sent to landfills. All this loss ends up in the cost of the next product you buy.
Recycle Responsibly
This is an easy one. Research and follow your waste provider’s recycling guidelines. That’s it!
Refill Stores
Take in your containers monthly and refill. 100% waste-free! Check out this list of Chicago’s zero waste stores.
Eliminate Food Waste
Food waste is 100% preventable. Plan meals, shop with a list, buy only what you need, and eat what you buy. And scraps and coffee grounds? Well compost of course! Take advantage of the free city compost drop off locations or contract with a private pickup service.
And for the overachievers, here is an article from One5C on 46 food waste tips. Happy reading!
All the above and much more can be found in our Tips & Tricks for Sustainable Living. We hope this helps you reach our recommended goal of adapting one new sustainable habit each month. The Environmental Action Committee meets on the second Monday of each month at 4:30 pm—join us!