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Recycling...was just the beginning.
Congratulations! You did it! As a faithful recycler, you've played an important role in doing what's best for our environment. In fact, for many of us, recycling is the first step toward keeping our Earth green.

Over 25 years have passed since the 1960's newspaper drives; with the '90s has come a whole new approach to helping our environment. Today, you need to start thinking about your trash before recycling or disposal time-you need to make purchasing decisions that save resources and stop waste before you buy. You need to practice waste reduction.

Why Waste Reduction?
By stopping to think before you shop, you can keep trash out of the landfill, conserve our natural resources, and save yourself money. If you train yourself to think reduction and cut waste as you shop, you'll be taking the next step beyond recycling...to waste reduction.

How might you reduce waste-before you make it? What "reduction" decisions can you make before you buy? Here are some thoughts to get you started:

Before shopping, make a shopping list and ask:

• What do I need to do the job?
• Do I already have something that will do the job?
• How much do I really need?
• When and where will I use it?
• What will be left when I'm done with it?

While shopping, reflect upon your real needs:

• Will this product last a long time?
• Which package makes the least waste?
• What does the label say?
• Does the product serve my needs?
• What size do I really need...is the larger size really more economical for me if I end up throwing half of it away?

After purchase, take care of the product and/or its packaging properly:

• Repair product.
• Reuse or refill packaging if possible.

When you're finished using the product:

• Share or donate any leftovers.
• Recycle the packaging.
• Dispose of it safely-but only as a final option!

Waste reduction is so easy, you may already be doing it.