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Did you know that packaging makes up about 30% of our waste by weight and 50% by volume? While you can recycle a lot of different types of packaging, it is really much more environmentally friendly to avoid it when possible. Many environmentally conscious Americans are looking for smart ways to cut back on waste within the household. Here are a few ways you can cut down on the amount of waste your household produces:

1. Reusable Shopping Bags:
These bags are versatile, durable, and easy to store, and as such make a great choice for more than just grocery shopping. Why not bring a few along next time you head out for some retail therapy? The smaller ones also make great lunch bags or wine transporting bags!

2. Choose Refillable Products:
Buy things like refillable printer cartridges and refillable pens over non-refillable options and choose shaving razors with exchangeable blades over disposable ones to reduce packaging waste.

3. Buy in Bulk:
Many of us already buy things like nuts and snacks in bulk, but did you know that you can also buy things like flour, baking soda, and other household products? Not only does buying in bulk help reduce waste, but it also can help save you a lot of money! Bring along your own storage containers (in your reusable shopping bags, of course) to reduce packaging waste even more!

4. Sort Your Waste:
Many households already have separated trash, recycling, and organics bins, but going one step further to include a small container for batteries and light bulbs can help reduce harmful chemical waste as well. You can find great waste sorting systems where you can bring old batteries and light bulbs and dispose of them in their proper place! Return bottles and cans to beer stores, grocery stores (where applicable) for refunds. Many local groceries and hardware stores have glass and can redemption machines!

5. Start a Worm Compost Bin:
Worm compost bins are a great way to make sure that organic waste is being broken down without any harm to the environment and can be used even in small spaces like apartments and condos. Not to mention the added bonus of fantastic fertilizer for your plants! Here is a step-by-step guide for creating your very own worm compost bin!

6. Donate:
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure! Donate gently used items to places like Goodwill and The Salvation Army where others can pick them up and give them a second life!

7. Buying Second-hand Before Buying New:
While you’re at Goodwill donating your used items, you should check out whether they have anything on your shopping list. Clothing and household items are often filtered so that only the most usable items are sold. Giving old items a new life not only helps the environment, but it also can save you a lot of money!

Get creative with your consumer choices and you’ll see that being environmentally conscious doesn’t have to be hard!

Jennie LyonAbout Jennie Lyon

Jennie Lyon is a green lifestyle writer and the owner of Sweet Greens, the award-winning green lifestyle blog. She posts on simple, fun ways families can go green together – starting with her own. When she isn’t blogging, you will find her paddleboarding, sailing, beach-combing, camping, or spending time with her amazing husband and 13-year old son.

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