How to Reduce your Garbage, Improve your Recycling, and Begin Composting from Home

As we create waste, especially in a family setting, it can be difficult trying to cut that down. If you’re concerned about the impact your garbage is having on the environment, there are ways you can potentially minimize your output.

Reducing waste.

Reducing waste may not seem possible however small changes can affect the environment in some big ways. For example, using cloth bags instead of plastic bags when possible can help minimize waste. Purchasing food items that have less packaging is another smart move. Not drinking bottled drinks can help eliminate the plastic waste you’re generating. See if there’s a way to reduce the amount of paper used on things like bills, utilities, and computer printing. Lastly, consider making some household cleaners instead of buying commercial products.

Reusing waste.

If opportunities to reduce waste are few and far between or not substantial enough, reuse and recycle. Whenever possible, if you have clothing, electronics, or furniture that needs to go, make a donation to a local organization. Contact non-profits, schools, homeless shelters, or thrift stores to see if they’re interested in taking these products from you. Consider reusing your own plastic containers, plastic bags, and similar products that are traditionally single-use. By donating what could be thrown away, you’re cutting down on waste.

Composting.

Something else we want to mention is the ability to compost. Any organic materials can be recycled. This turns them from waste to becoming an energy source for the soil. For any lawn maintenance or gardening, this works wonders. Things you can compost include raw vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, tea bags, grass cuttings, leaves, paper, cardboard, eggshells, and sawdust. Try to find some place sunny yet partially shaded to create a compost bin from. If you go with a cold compost heap, there’s less effort required. If you go with a hot compost heap, you’ll need to invest more time into getting your compost to heat up.

Managing waste.

Homes and businesses are going to create garbage. Being mindful of the waste being created and capitalizing on opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle are important. It’ll pay off in spades not only for you but for the environment.

Thankfully, there’s a lot of work happening in the private sector and in government to help make the world a more environmentally-friendly place. There’s commitments that have been made to reduce waste in environments prone to garbage production, such as grocery stores and corporate offices. Finding alternatives for plastic bags and single-use products, reducing or changing packaging from non-recyclable materials to recyclable materials, and incorporating more environmentally-friendly materials into our everyday lives is happening. Every day, we are moving closer to a zero waste society. Homes, businesses, and governments are all putting in the work to reduce garbage, improve recycling, and engage in organic composting efforts. Hopefully, these trends will only continue long into the future.

We are the experts in recycling and minimizing waste in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. For waste management and recycling services in Toronto and the GTA for homes and businesses, contact Core Mini Bins. A representative would be happy to provide guidance on how to best reduce waste and improve recycling efforts in your space.