Waste reduction (or prevention) is the preferred approach to waste management. If it is not created, it does not have to be discarded. An example of waste reduction is reducing unnecessary packaging from manufactured products and produce. If this excess packaging was never produced in the first place, no one would have to be concerned with the cost and effort of collecting, separating it for recycling, breaking it down, transporting it to manufacturers, and then integrating the recycled materials back into the manufacturing process. Waste reduction is one of the key things we all can do to help conserve resources and a provide a cleaner environment for future generations.

• Buy beverages in reusable or recyclable containers. Examples include glass, plastic bottles and aluminum
• Buy concentrated products to reduce packaging
• Avoid buying packaged foods with disposable, non-reheatable microwave dishes
• Carry a canvas or tote bag when you shop
• Cancel subscriptions to magazines or newspapers you don’t actually read; donate old issues
• Buy products that are durable and reusable
• Don’t discard clothing or household items. Hold a yard sale or donate the items to charitable organizations

Many items we throw away have the potential to be reused. Reusing allows you to get the most out of the products you buy and saves you money. Additionally, reusing products conserves natural resources and valuable landfill space.

• Water Bottles: Rinse bottles with warm soapy water or vinegar solution to kill bacteria
• Disposable Shopping Bags: Always bring your reusable bag whenever you go shopping
• Use disposables to line smaller garbage cans in your home
• Take disposables with you when you walk your dog
• Use disposables in your car as a travel litter bag
• Reuse Paper towel tubes for art projects
• Fabric Softener Sheets: Reuse in your sock or underwear drawer to keep your clothes smelling fresh. Tear the sheets in half before placing them in the dryer to reduce the number of sheets you use. Place inside shoes at night to keep them smelling fresh

Recycling is the process of collecting, sorting, cleaning, treating, restoring, and then converting materials that would otherwise become solid waste, into raw material for new, reused, or restored products.

Each of us generates an average of six pounds of waste per day. This may not sound like much, but when multiplied over a period of a year, the amount of waste each person creates is staggering. You can calculate how much waste your family generates annually with a simple formula (6 lbs/person/day x 365 days/year x number of people in your household). One easy way to manage this material is by recycling.

Other ways you can help the environment is the smart gardening practices which utilize less water, energy, and resources. For workshops and additional information visit Los Angeles County Public Works.