Reduce-Reuse-Recycle: close the loop

The following tips will help residents and businesses reduce, reuse and recyle.

In the home

• Use cloth hand towels in kitchen vs. paper towels.

• Use reusable shopping bags vs. disposable bags.
• Purchase bulk beverages and use reusable beverage containers vs. individual bottles/cans.
• Use a reusable lunch box or bag.
• Try renting items not used very often.
• Find alternative ways to wrap gifts, such as a reusable cloth, a reusable decorative box or a reusable bag.
• Use reusable plastic containers for food instead of plastic bags.
• Read books, magazines or newspapers at the library.
• Use reusable plates, cups, and utensils that can be washed rather than disposable dinner ware.
• Repair and fix a broken item instead of buying a new one.
• Use old t-shirts, socks and gloves as cleaning rags around the house.

At the office 

• Double side copies or save documents electronically.
• Buy bulk products or items that use little packaging.  Cardboard is recyclable.
• Choose products that come in recyclable or refillable containers.
• Closing the loop means to purchase products made from recycled material.
• Consider making forms electronic.
• Promote “think before copying” attitude.