SOME HELPFUL HINTS


  1. Where possible try to purchase items that do not have excess packaging. Let manufacturers and distributors know that you find their packaging wasteful.

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  2. Whenever possible buy refillable or reusable containers first. Then look for recyclables. Avoid containers that are not recyclable.

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  3. Ask yourself if you really need items such as disposable bags, plastic cutlery and paper napkins. Buy in bulk as often as possible. Many items you need for a short period of time or seldom-used items can be borrowed or rented. In fact, rent an item if possible, before buying.

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  4. Check the efficiency rating of electrical goods. An old refrigerator, for example, may end up costing you and the environment a lot more in wasted energy than an energy- efficient model.

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  5. Purchase durable goods of quality rather than disposable items. The cost may be higher initially, but in the long run you can save money. Seek the longest warranty with the best repair service possible.

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  6. Be an informed buyer. Read consumer magazines and contact consumer organizations before making major purchases.

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  7. Try to purchase cleaners that are less harmful to the environment or make your own.

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  8. Don't throw away anything that can be reused or repaired. Your trash could be someone else's treasure. For example fabric scraps, books, sporting goods, toys and clothing are always needed by non-profit groups.

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  9. Up to 1/3 of all household waste is compostable. Composting is a simple way to reduce waste and, at the same time, produce a nutrient-rich conditioner for your lawn, garden and house plants.

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  10. Save the trees: they are the lungs of our environment. Plant one for every one destroyed. Trim or prune rather than cut down.

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  11. Avoid using fire to deal with waste. This only adds to the problem of air pollution.

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  12. Clean and undamaged plastic and paper bags from groceries and other venues may be reused or folded and donated to charitable organizations.

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  13. Dispose of your garbage legally and wisely. Throwing garbage into water courses kills marine life, contaminates the water supply, and could cause serious flooding and destruction of crops.

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  14. Support products made from recycled paper and other recycled materials.

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  15. Buy soft drinks in reusable glass bottles rather than the plastic variety.

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  16. Have your car engine oil changed at recognized agencies and garages. Avoid the wayside mechanic who is most likely to use incorrect methods of disposing of the used oil.

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  17. Do not bury materials that do not decompose.

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  18. Do not encourage the slash and burn methods of clearing land. Remember the tragedy of Indonesia. The full impact of this disaster on the environment is yet to be fully realized.

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  19. Start a compost heap at home if time and space permits. A procedure for doing this is given elsewhere in this document.

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