Attack the problem at its source. It is the most effective way of dealing with garbage since
it reduces the amount of materials that become garbage. You can practice source reduction
while shopping because you vote on products every time you make a purchase.
Here are some ways you can put source reduction into action. You will also be surprised
how often you can save money at the same time.
• Look for products that use only enough packaging to insure quality and do not appear to
be unnecessarily overpackaged with multiple layers of plastics, foil, paper and other wrapping.
But remember, some of this packaging is designed to insure product safety, making packages
tamper-resistant. Other wrapping preserves freshness and quality.
• Buy the largest size package whenever practical. You get more product with less
packaging than with smaller sizes.
• Favor products sold in concentrated forms or in compact packages. Some beverages,
liquid soaps, cleaning products and fabric softeners are packaged this way. Simply mix the
concentrate with water, refilling the original container at home. This process can be repeated
indefinitely.
• Use products that do more than one thing such as laundry soaps that combine
detergents with fabric softeners and shampoos that include conditioners.