9 Practical Tips To Reduce Waste

We’ve become a throw-away society.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that the average American produces nearly five pounds of waste daily. Although this may not seem significant, it means that each of us generates nearly a ton of trash annually. In 2018, across the U.S., this amounted to over 292 million tons.

It’s challenging to comprehend the enormity of what we’re throwing away. One sobering example is that, despite only comprising about 12% of total waste, the U.S. produces enough plastic trash every 15.5 hours to fill AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX.

To combat this growing problem, the EPA recommends that consumers first find ways to reduce or reuse items. The next line of defense is recycling or composting. Doing these things will reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfills or being incinerated.

Reducing waste offers numerous benefits, including saving money, conserving natural resources, and enhancing overall quality of life. In this post, we will explore nine practical tips to reduce waste that are easy to implement. With these simple practices, we can work together towards a more sustainable future and create a cleaner and healthier environment for ourselves and future generations.

Avoid Using Single-Use Items

Since plastics became widely available in the 1950s, over eight billion tons of plastic have been produced globally, and over six billion of it is now trash. While plastic has improved well-being around the world, it also has a long-lasting negative impact, as it takes 20-500 years to decompose, and even then, only breaks down into increasingly smaller particles.

Single-use plastic containers, such as beverage bottles, are a significant contributor to plastic waste. A positive step to reduce such trash is to use a reusable water bottle. Filling up from the tap eliminates the need for multiple throw-away bottles each day.

An additional way to reduce plastic use is to buy other products that can be refilled. For example, some toiletries, such as shampoo, are sold in bulk, allowing you to bring in your empty container and have it refilled, thereby avoiding the need to dispose of another plastic item.

Finally, avoid using single-use items such as utensils, straws, and napkins for use at home. For example, metal straws have become popular because they not only reduce waste but are also durable and dishwasher-safe.

Consider Composting

Food waste accounts for approximately 22% of the material that ends up in landfills. Because households account for over 40% of food waste, many communities have started organics collection programs that divert such waste into industrial-grade composting processes. According to BioCycle, in 2023, U.S. municipalities supported 710 residential food waste collection programs serving nearly 15 million households.

This means that 12% of households could potentially manage their food waste in this way, rather than disposing of it in the regular trash. However, participation levels vary due to differing program designs, cost, and the “yuck factor” in which potential participants perceive handling food waste as an unpleasant task. Nevertheless, several well-executed programs report high participation rates.

For communities that don’t offer official programs, do-it-yourself backyard composting is an option. However, most people perceive this as too much work, so typically only die-hard composters take it on. A better option would be to lobby local and state representatives to pass legislation to institute organics collection programs.

Borrow, Rent, or Share

Rather than buy more “stuff,” why not consider using someone else’s stuff temporarily? Examples are books, tools, and sports gear. The simplest option is borrowing from a relative, friend, or neighbor. There are also apps like Lindrs, Yoodlize, iBorrow'd, and RentMyTool that connect you with a local network of people willing to rent tools or other equipment for less than the cost of purchasing them or renting them elsewhere.

In the case of books, the local library is often overlooked as a source of free entertainment. Library catalogs are online these days, so you can “browse the shelves” from your phone or computer. If you find what you want, you can reserve it with the touch of a button. Not only are conventional books available, but also DVDs and CDs in many locations. Audio books may be available via apps like Libby.

Try Repairing First

A global “throw-away culture” developed during the 20^th century and has continued unabated to the present. The “fast fashion” trend is a prime example in the apparel industry, where stylish clothing is made cheaply, which forces purchasers to discard items when they quickly wear out.

Consumers can help reduce waste by first asking themselves before disposing of an item: Is it repairable? For example, clothing can be mended at home with needle and thread, or for more complicated jobs, taken to a local tailor. Some manufacturers, such as Patagonia, even offer a repair service for their branded products. Another tip is to consider the repairability potential of an item before making a purchase. Sometimes, higher-quality products, although they may be more expensive, will last longer and possibly can be repaired more readily.

Declutter and Donate

In today’s consumer-oriented society, amassing a glut of unnecessary items is very common. While having a lot of stuff around is comforting to some, studies have shown it can ultimately be stressful. So, while many of us love to hold onto things, wisdom lies in letting go, and for many, letting go means decluttering.

What do you do with the decluttered items that aren’t going in the trash? Donate! Numerous charities will accept your discards, but you may need to research what each organization accepts and whether they offer pickup services for your items.

Buy Secondhand

Buying secondhand items is a great way to reduce waste. “Thrifting” has become a popular trend because it saves money, and there is less stigma associated with buying used items than in the past. Look online for thrift stores and consignment shops in your area. Additionally, consider checking out Facebook Marketplace and other similar websites for deals. (These digital marketplaces are also efficient means for disposing of your own excess belongings.)

Go Paperless

Predictions about a paperless society made at the dawn of the computer age have largely gone unfulfilled. In fact, some data suggest paper use skyrocketed with the onset of the digital age. However, the march toward less paper in our daily lives continues.

We can help this along by questioning our need for paper in our day-to-day activities. For example, rather than continuing a subscription to the print version of a newspaper or magazine, consider switching to the digital option. Most media companies have enhanced their online presence, resulting in a significant improvement in the reading experience over time.

If you receive a lot of unwanted junk mail via the U.S. Postal Service, you can register with DMAchoice to opt out of unsolicited marketing lists. Two caveats: first, the request requires a $6 processing fee, and second, it will not necessarily eliminate all promotional mail, particularly mail from entities with whom you have an existing relationship.

Another way to reduce hard copy waste is to opt for paperless delivery of bank and credit card statements, utility bills, and tax information. Organizations routinely encourage customers to go paperless, so clicking “yes” will not only reduce waste but also save you time and help your home feel less cluttered. Also, ask for digital receipts when shopping in person.

In a similar vein, say no to freebies – flyers, pens, or other promotional items. These often just end up in the trash.

Buy In Bulk

Buying in bulk is not only a way to save money, but it can also mean less packaging waste. Nevertheless, consumers need to be selective in this regard. For example, Costco deliberately over-packages some products to deter shoplifting.

Another challenge for buying in bulk is the storage space required at home. For non-perishable household items, such as toilet paper, canned soda, or cleaning products, a clean, dry storage area is sufficient. For perishable foodstuffs, however, extra refrigerator or freezer space is a necessity.

Carry A Reusable Tote Bag

When grocery shopping, be sure to bring a reusable tote bag instead of using paper or plastic bags provided by the store. These bags will not only accommodate all your purchases, but they are typically made of stronger materials, so they are less likely to break under a heavy load.

These are nine practical tips you can apply to reduce waste, which are simple and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. You’ll not only improve your own quality of life, but you'll also take small, meaningful steps to improve our world.