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Buy Products in the Largest Size You Can
Use; Avoid Excess Packaging
A family of four can save $2,000 a
year in the supermarket by choosing large sizes instead of
individual serving sizes. Remember, 10 cents of
every shopping dollar is used to pay for packaging. Small
sizes use more packaging for each ounce of product than larger
sizes. So, if you buy large sizes, you save money, reduce
waste, and help the environment. That is a really good
buy. Here are a few good examples; look for others the
next time you shop.
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Buy cereal in a large box
instead of in individual serving sizes.
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Buy juice in concentrates and
use reusable containers instead of single serving packages.
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Save money by buying bottled
water in a large plastic jug instead of six packs of 16
ounce bottles.
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Buy large packages of sugar
and flour.
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Avoid the small boxes of
raisins and buy the same amount in the 24 ounce box.
Buy Products in Containers That You Know
You Will Be Able to Recycle
It is important to familiarize
yourself with what types of containers and items can be recycled
in your local recycling program. Once you know what you
can recycle, look for products that come in the containers that
you know you will be able to recycle when the products are all
used up.
Examples are products in commonly
recycled containers made from:
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aluminum
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steel
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#1 and #2 plastic
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glass.
To find out where you can recycle
these products, use Earth 911’s recycling locator at
http://earth911.org
Buy Reusable and Long Lasting Items
Products that can be reused are
cheaper in the long run than those you throw away and buy over
and over again. Goods that are designed to last a long
time are also cheaper in the long run than those that wear out
quickly. A family can save $1,000 each year buy buying reusable
and long lasting products.
Use rechargeable batteries in toys, flashlights and radios.
You can save $200/year by using
rechargeable batteries instead of disposables in one CD player
used two hours a day.
Use cloth diapers instead of disposable
diapers.
You’ll save $600 per child by
using a laundry diaper service instead of disposable diapers.
Use a real camera instead of disposable
ones.
If you take 24 pictures each month
you will save $144 each year.
Switch to cloth napkins, sponges, and
cloth towels or wipes.
Many families spend over $260 each
year on paper towels and napkins.
Use washable plates, cups, and flatware
for parties & picnics instead of disposable products.
Use an electric razor or hand razor with
replaceable blades instead of disposable razors.
Buy high quality/long life tires.
They cost less per mile traveled
and reduce the problem of disposing of used tires.
Use a washable commuter mug for your
morning coffee.
Eliminate a Styrofoam or plastic
cup every day.
Take bags to the market.
Either cloth ones or your old
paper and plastic ones. Many markets will credit your bill
for using your own bags. When buying only a few items,
don’t take a bag.
Clean and service your appliances,
computers, tools, and cars
So that they will enjoy even
longer lives. And, before you replace them, check to see
if they are repairable. Consider sharing equipment that is
used infrequently such as hedge clippers, pruners, fruit
pickers, or chain saws. |