You’re probably aware that landfills are an environmental hazard, but you might not know the seriousness of the problem: According to the EPA, in 2018 alone “about 146.1 tons” of waste were landfilled in the United States. Every household in the country produces thousands of pounds of landfilled waste each year.
Luckily, there are ways for you to help. The EPA cites reduction and reuse as “the most effective ways you can save natural resources” and “protect the environment,” and there are easy ways for everyone to reduce waste daily. Below is a quick list of 4 of those ways:
4 Easy Ways to Reduce Waste.
Stop Relying on Single-Use Plastics. Maybe the single most impactful thing you can do to reduce waste is to eliminate single-use plastics from your home. Plastics make up a staggering percentage of total landfilled waste, and they are so common in the products we use that it can be difficult to account for all of them. As a start, don’t buy plastic dinnerware -- like cups, plates, or cutlery -- and invest in a sturdy, reusable grocery bag to avoid grabbing plastic ones at the store.
Invest in Well-Made Wardrobe Essentials. All clothing eventually wears out, but durable pieces last longer, which means less waste. Invest in high-quality products you use often, like shoes or a belt. Pay attention to how your clothing is made, too: Shop companies that prioritize sustainability in their production and sourcing.
Pay Attention to your Food. Try to buy in bulk and avoid pre-packaged produce to reduce packaging waste. Consider composting your thrown-out food as well: Composts make use of otherwise wasted food to enrich soil and reduce water run-off, which helps the environment.
Donate and Reuse. You’d be surprised by the waste you can eliminate by reusing everyday stuff. Store food in reusable containers, donate or mend worn-out clothing, and consider ways to reuse items before throwing them away. Look out for products made with repurposed materials (materials that would otherwise have been landfilled) as well, like clothing and furniture.
Reducing waste and caring for the environment are important to us, and we hope they are important to you, too. If you have questions about how to further reduce your environmental impact or want to explore ways CASUPO is helping, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a year of positive environmental change.
