People have choices and can reduce the volume of garbage they generate by making thoughtful choices when they buy products. Provide your own reusable grocery bags, use both sides of paper, purchase products with reduced packaging when safe to do so, buy products in recyclable packaging, buy products made from post-consumer wastes, repair existing items if the repairs are more environmentally sound, or do not purchase the product if the item is not needed. Use non-toxic substances when possible.

Recycling is the collection and reprocessing of manufactured materials for reuse either in the same form or as part of a different product. Collecting, and separating products, preparing them to buyers' specifications, sale to markets, processing, and eventual reuse of materials are part of the recycling loop.

Renew the life of an object by redefining its purpose and using it again. Extend the life of an item by repairing or modifing or creating new uses for items within the household.

REDUCE

You can help by PRECYCLING 1/3 of all garbage by packaging.

• Buy things that are in packages that can be recycled or are made of recycled materials.
  
• When you buy something small, say no thanks to a bag

 RECYCLE

Each year we use:

·         25 billion plastic containers

·         30 billion bottles & jars

·         65 billion aluminum cans

·         100 billion pounds of paper

REUSE

Many things can be reused before you throw them out.

·         Use coffee cans and cottage cheese containers for storage

·         Use backs of paper or backs of used envelopes for jotting notes

·         Put leftovers in resealable containers instead of using wraps and foil

·         Use old clothes as rags for cleaning instead of paper towels

·         Have a garage sale or donate clothes, books or toys that you do not use anymore