The best way to manage waste is to prevent waste in the first place. Once waste is created, energy and resources are required to recycle or dispose of the waste. By generating less waste, you consume fewer resources and reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, you spend less money, effort, and time in recycling or disposing your waste at the end of its life. Challenge yourself to see how much waste you can prevent.
Magic "Waste Away"
Can waste magically disappear? What happens to the waste we throw away? Shall we play a game of “How Much Waste Can I Prevent?”
Small Changes Lead to Big Impact
Waste prevention is critical to solving the plastic pollution and climate change crises. By continually making small changes, we can make waste prevention a habit. Collectively, we can make a big difference in reducing our community’s environmental impact. There are many ways to prevent waste:
- Reuse, re-purpose, or repair items
- Rent, borrow, or share
- Find second-hand items
- If purchasing is necessary,
- Choose reusable and durable items instead of single-use or disposable items
- Seek out items with less packaging or packaging that is reusable, recyclable or compostable
- Look for items made with recycled content and less harmful chemicals
- Check if the item can be easily maintained, repaired or upgraded
How Will You Prevent Waste?
Through our actions, we can choose to prevent waste and conserve resources. How will you reduce your impact on the environment?
In the videos below, Renton staff and residents share how they choose to prevent waste every day.