by Casper Reaves

Created on: May 18, 2009

Tips to reduce household waste

When looking at ways to reduce household waste, there are several trade-offs to consider. With these trade-offs, there is no right answer. It is more important to find what works for you.

Quite often, when considering between two options to reduce waste, look at other goals you may have in the big picture. Saving energy, improving your health, and saving time might be important advantages to your decisions.

Small size versus large size: Large sizes often have a less expensive unit price and less packaging, but the overall price is larger and spoilage is a concern. Smaller sizes may seem more expensive per unit, but if you are going to throw out half a large package, it may work out the same.

Individual packages have been around for a while when looking at items that go into a child's lunchbox. But recently, smaller packages are often aimed at diet-conscious shoppers. You may want avoid these options because it is a marketing ploy. If the 100 calorie packages help you with your nutritional goals, then try that option.

One interesting individual package that has emerges is individually packaged prunes. Compare these single prune packages to the traditional box. How many half boxes of prunes have been thrown away? The individual packages are very convenient and portable.

Consider which items you can buy at a deli counter or other service counter. Maybe the pre-packaged pound of cheese, sandwich meat, or potato salad is too much for you. The deli counterperson can provide you with the exact size you need. The butcher counter can help your package your purchases to fit your short-term and long-term needs. You can ask for two packages with plans to freeze one for later and use one in the near future. This saves you from re-packaging at home.

Spoilage is a big concern leading to consider smaller packages of food. Some manufacturers have started producing "mini loaves" of bread. This is a great idea for your household if you are tired for throwing away expired, stale, or moldy bread.

Items with longer shelf life: If you find yourself throwing away a lot of food because of expiration, consider alternatives with longer shelf life. Milk is a great example. You are reducing the size of the container of milk you purchase but you find that either you run out too quick or it is still too much to use before the expiration date. Consider powdered or evaporated milk which has a longer shelf life. If you can switch to soy milk for some uses, you will benefit from a longer shelf life as well as possible health benefits.

Composting for your garden: Do you have a garden, or just few flower pots. Some items are very easy to compost or add directly to your plants. If you are deciding between instant coffee and drip coffee, but are concerned about the used grounds with drip coffee, remember that you can put them in your garden. (Some coffee shops will donate used grounds to customers for this purpose.)

Paper plates and disposal cups save on doing dishes, but add to waste. Some items, like a person coffee cup or drinking glass can be used for several cups before it goes in the wash.

As you examine your household activities, you will find many ways beyond these tips to reduce your household waste.

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