Slowing the Load

It can be quite astonishing; the amount of trash a household produces.  The accumulation presents a problem that must be disposed of promptly.  This is a chore that few enjoy, but it simply has to be done.  One way to hold down the amount of trash produced is to inventory everything that gets thrown away.  The time it takes to do this may make one less inclined to just toss something away.  Perhaps some other use can be made of the item.  At the very least, the consideration to list all things that end up in the trash will likely lessen the amount of trash produced.

Some people report that an inventory control system allows them to cut back from four trash bags filled a week down to merely two.  Such folks have cut their trash production in half.  This would be a worthy goal for all households to pursue so some thoughts should be given on how to lessen the load of trash that we produce,

There is the environment to consider in all of this.  Recycling cuts back on the amount of stuff that ends up in landfills and garbage heaps.  These facilities are unwanted just about everywhere, but it is hardly economical to transport trash long distances and so they end up in the least desirable portion of every neighborhood.  Recycling not only extends the life of land fills, it also saves on resources many of which are nonrenewable such as the petroleum base of all plastics.

It also takes less energy to recycle products rather than manufacture wholly new replacements.  Recycling in effect becomes a means for reducing energy consumption.  This both saves on nonrenewables, it is also easier on the environment in terms of the pollutants that enter into it during the manufacturing process.

Think Small When Buying

A great way to cut back on the trash produced is to simply buy less stuff.  Carefully consider every purchase and do not buy things on a whim.  When purchases are made, try to get things that do not have a lot of packaging.  In the case of food, many items can be bought in bulk at a far cheaper cost rather than in individual servings that each come in a package.

Farmer’s Markets often feature food this way.  Even supermarkets are helping out by offering customers price breaks, cash backs, or other incentives to reuse plastic bags.

Once an item has served its purpose, it does not automatically have to be transferred to the trash heap.  Other uses may be found for it.  Crafts can be fashioned from all manner of throwaway containers, and the containers themselves may be reused if properly washed.

Cooking from scratch will cut down on the packaging that gets tossed.  This is usually a less expensive way to eat as well.  The scraps left over from such type of preparation can be added to a compost pile for mulch to enrich the garden.