Ideas for Reducing Waste

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The three-prong plan for reducing waste is:

  1. Reduce consumption, especially of "disposable" goods
  2. Reuse items rather than throwing them away
  3. Recycle materials that can no longer be reused.

This page offers ideas for addressing the first two approaches.

Contents

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Books on earth-friendly alternative products and "green" choices:

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Ideas for Reducing Consumption

  • Pledge to buy nothing new for one year. Yes, some folks out there have started doing this. Check out their blog for suggestions, allowed exceptions, etc. The Compact
  • Can you borrow or share rather than buy?
  • Carry a handkerchief to reduce the use of single-use facial tissue.
  • Surprise the check out person at the counter by refusing to accept a bag to carry small purchases. (And bring along your own bag for the larger ones.)
  • OK, so you still end up with a few plastic bags. Why not reuse them as actual trash bags instead of buying yet more bags for your trash?
  • Consider showering less often. Many of us shower every day by habit and the perception that it is a social necessity; but for many people, showering every two or three days can be sufficient.
  • Avoid using things that are meant to be disposable/single use items (disposable razors, paper plates, disposable cameras, paper towels, etc.)
  • Be sure to only purchase things in environmentally friendly packaging, as well as in bulk. Styrofoam, wax, polymers and plastic are difficult to dispose of and should be avoided -- glass containers are reusable and have many applications.
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Ideas for Reusing Items

  • Compost your food waste -- instead of encasing your highly biodegradable waste in plastic and putting it in a landfill, keep a compost pile and let it decompose [I'd like to advocate pitching banana peels and apple cores under bushes on campus, but we should talk to the Grounds folks before we do that. -Kirwin 10:34, 14 February 2007 (EST)]
  • When you find yourself with "disposables" like take-out containers and plastic cutlery, reuse them rather than throwing them away.
  • Give away or sell unwanted items rather than throwing them away (see below for places to give your stuff away)
  • Buy used stuff -- you might be surprised at how many good-quality (i.e. work-suitable) clothes you can find at Goodwill and other second-hand shops.
  • Save (in the freezer) all of the stems and skins you cut and peel off vegetables, and put them into a pot of boiling water; simmer for an hour or so, and strain them for a vegetable stock that can be used as a broth base for soups.
  • Women, there are alternatives to disposable pads and tampons! Ever think about how much money and material we waste every month? Instead of disposing of our menstrual products, why not use eco-friendly, reusable pads? They are better for the environment, better for our body, and (some would argue) our self esteem. As women, we have been taught that our periods are gross, as if there is something unnatural about bleeding every month. Women have been using (and reusing) rags for ages! I used disposables until last semester, and I have been very satisfied using cloth rags. Since, my period has been a time that I look forward to instead of dread. I handwash my cloth pads (although it is equally easy to machine wash), which gives me a little time each day during my period to reflect and have some peace and quiet for myself. I also enjoy the feeling of cloth, and no longer associate my period with the feeling of chafing. I am sure every woman's experience is different, but consider giving cloth pads a try!

Here are a few options:

  1. Buy cloth pads online. Gladrags, Many Moons and Luna Pads are good options.
  2. Make your own! The Wittenberg feminist union recently had a rag-making party. Here are some links to patterms: How to make your own, and Cloth Pads

If you would like an alternative to tampons, try buying these alternative menstral products:

  1. Buy a menstal cup, like the Keeper or Diva Cup.
  2. Consider buying sea sponge tampons, or organic cotton tampons

Alternatives to disposable pads and tampons are more accessible and enjoyable than you think! Check out the following websites for more information and enjoy!

Gladrags, Lunapads, and Reusable menstrual products

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Places to find and donate second-hand items

  • Give it away, give it away, give it away now! Find your local freecycle
  • Goodwill Industries of Springfield, 291 E. Leffel Lane -- Sells and will accept donated used items in good shape, including mattresses. Where is this?
  • Goodwill Industries of Springfield, 1961 N. Bechtle Avenue -- Sells and will accept donated used items in good shape, including mattresses. Where is this?
  • Nearly New Shop, 923 W. Main Street-- Sells and will accept donated used items in good condition. Clothing should be cleaned and in hangers or folded neatly. Other household items: kitchen tools, linens accepted. Proceeds are donated to community outreach projects including Project Woman, Planned Parenthood, Scholarships, and Emergency assistance. Where is this?
  • Animal Welfare League Thrift Store 3 West Pleasant Street -- Sells and will accept donated used items in good condition. Clothing should be cleaned and in hangers or folded neatly. Other household items: kitchen tools, linens, purses and luggage accepted. Proceeds support animal rescue and shelter activity.Where is this?
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