New Year, New You! Wasting Less in 2018

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 01/11/2018 09:46 AM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Share or view as a web page || Update preferences or unsubscribe

Recycling SymbolNew Year, New You!

Wasting Less in 2018

As we start the New Year, we welcome our New Year's resolutions ranging from eating healthier to saving money to learning a new skill or hobby. This year, why not make a resolution to support waste reduction?

Reducing your waste doesn't have to be an all or nothing goal. Try just one or two of these simple ideas to make changes that can help you keep a waste reduction lifestyle.

Think Reusables

Zero Waste Lunch

  • Pack environmentally friendly, zero waste lunches - use reusable containers for sandwiches and snacks, bring reusable cutlery and carry it all in a reusable lunch box rather than a single use plastic bag or container.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle - not only will you reduce your waste, but you'll save money.
  • Invest in rechargeable batteries and recycle them when they've reached the end of their useful life.
  • Use a reusable coffee mug - some stores give a discount for bringing your own mug.

Purchases

  • Sharing is caring - ask to borrow an item from family and friends before purchasing something new. Is there a local tool lending library in your area?
  • Try to repair items before you replace them with newly purchased items. Explore repair cafes in your surrounding area.
  • Reduce packaging waste - buy in bulk, look for items packaged in recyclable materials and avoid individually packaged and over-packaged goods.
  • Buy items made with post-consumer recycled content material. This helps to make sure what we put in our recycling bins gets turned into something new.

Go Paperless

  • Convert to online billing and save payment confirmations electronically.
  • Refrain from printing emails or online material. Recycling paper is great, but it takes energy to recycle and produce new paper.
  • Cancel subscriptions you no longer read, or subscribe to the electronic version of your favorite news source.
  • Remove your name from junk mail and catalog mailing lists.
  • Opt Out of a receiving a phone book.

Opt Out 2

Food Waste

  • Reduce food waste - plan your meals, serve leftovers or incorporate them in a new recipe.
  • Learn more about product dating and common misconceptions - What is the difference between best if used by vs. sell by vs. use by?
  • Learn how to store your food for prolonged freshness and a longer shelf life.
  • Bring a reusable container for your restaurant leftovers.
  • Start composting your food scraps in your backyard compost pile or contact your local hauler to see what services are available.

Along with making a waste reduction resolution, why not try setting a goal to be a better recycler too! We wish you all a less wasteful, healthy, and happy new year!

Funding Opportunities

Conferences

Upcoming Events

buffalo recycles

We Want To Hear From You!

Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about? Or a public event/workshop related to recycling (organics, textiles, electronics, traditional recyclables, etc.) you'd like the greater community to know about? Email us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov.