The concept of quick and easy lifestyles has fostered a cycle in our world where creating more waste disposal is not seen as uncommon or unusual. The standard American will produce over 4 pounds of waste daily, and when combined with an additional 350 million people, the number grows exponentially. The United States has even moved to start shipping some of our waste to other countries with less rigid EPA restrictions, hazardous to the individuals living there.
These facts are concerning, especially with population growth, but thankfully, changes are being implemented to create different behaviors and offer variations for conservation. Change can happen, but understanding all the options is your first step.
Taking Responsibility Through Recycling
One option that has been around since the 1940s is to utilize how to recycle at home and conservation strategies. This approach focuses on the concept of repurposing and reusing what is viable and available. The idea supports making a different decision and purchasing products made from recycled materials instead of buying new ones every time.
The breakdown of the materials to a raw state can be altered to create new items that can have a lasting effect and be just as durable as a new product. Unfortunately, recycling will not be enough for long-term sustainability, and more options will need to be addressed for long-term solutions.
Changing Daily Behaviors
Here are other choices you can utilize in your day-to-day life to help cut back and make a difference and how much waste you are producing.
Utilizing reusable bags
It is not uncommon to go to the grocery store and have the products placed in a plastic bag. Opting to bring your own or using a paper variation will help prevent waste and encourage more environmental sustainability methods.
Refraining from purchasing bottled water and using containers
Bottled water has become a significant problem since people are choosing ease over sustainability. Carrying your container is not only more beneficial to the environment but hygienic.
Cutting back on purchases that are not necessary
Our society loves to spend, and marketing is a constant battle in the background, pushing people to buy more. Being mindful in your day-to-day life of what you need versus an unplanned expenditure will prevent extra waste and save you money.
Make your purchases from companies that utilize reusable bottles
Companies will not make changes until the consumers do so, considering where you are shopping will make a difference. If you support a company focused on sustainability, you can feel good knowing you are putting your money into a responsible company.
Purchase from local farmers or vendors
Smaller vendors and farmers are more apt to offer more mindful approaches and produce their products. They understand the importance of using methods that will promote longevity combined with quality over ease. By making your purchases with a smaller company, you will be fostering more sustainability over time.
Removing processed food from your diet
It is no secret that processed food is not suitable for our bodies. Processed food is also a significant contributor to high levels of waste due to using things like single-serving packages and materials that are not recyclable.
Opting out of junk mail
Junk mail gets its name precisely from what it is. In areas where recycling is not a regularly provided option, individuals will take this paper and throw it in the garbage. What this means is a more considerable buildup of unnecessary waste that individuals could use for recycling.
Moving from paper towels to cloth or hand towels
A commonly used product that does not get recycled due to having debris or moisture on them is paper towels. In addition, they are also a costly item that can be overused depending on the household. Replacing them with a more sustainable option like a cloth towel will help reduce that amount of waste due to its ability to be washed and reused later.
Making your products at home like shampoo and deodorants
Learning to create your products at home will cut back on the chemicals that your body takes in from everyday products and save money. In addition, by implementing your reusable containers for the product, you will be cutting back on tossing out items when the product runs out.
Composting food scraps or any biodegradable waste
One of the most significant issues with landfills is the buildup of methane from the decomposition of the items over time. Creating a compost bin varies in the breakdown compared to a landfill because of the way it degenerates. It also helps contribute to the natural soil and the bacteria and animals living in the area.
Get on the Right Track With LJP Waste Solutions
There are various ways to offer prevention of waste and more sustainability in your life. It is in making the change that can alter the companies and other’s behavior around you!
LJP Waste Solutions offers innovative and goal-focused options to promote zero landfill initiatives for our communities. We specialize in commercial waste service and teach the steps to promote sustainable solutions in residences and commercial properties.
Our main goal is to find ways to convert waste to fuel our world, so call us at 507-625-1968 or click on the link to set up an appointment today.