How do I precycle?
- Buy the product with the least packaging
- Re-use plastic bags and containers
- Buy in bulk using containers brought from home
- Reduce packaging by choosing the largest size you can use
- Use a cloth shopping bag
- Avoid purchasing disposable products (razors, diapers, pens etc.) and products sold in disposable packages
- Choose products designed for re-use (re-chargeable batteries, cloth napkins)
- Compost organic waste. For more information on composting, click here
- Look for products which display the environmentally friendly "Eco Logo" (three birds)
Shopper's Precycling Checklist
- Do I really need this product?
- Is the package reusable or recyclable?
- Is there a similar product with less or no packaging?
- How long will this product last?
- Would it be better to rent or borrow this item?
- Can this product be repaired rather than discarded?
- Will the disposal of this product or its container be a hazard to the environment? Is there a safe alternative?
- Is this product produced locally or available from a local source?
Back to "Zero Waste" |
Solid Waste Facts
In 1990 British Columbians disposed of 81% of solid waste and recycled only 19%. By 1999 we disposed of only 58% and recycled 42%.
Residents of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) generated more than 24,000 tonnes of garbage in 1989. By 1999 we had reduced that amount to 19,886 tonnes.
Packaging makes up fully 1/3 of all garbage.
Packaging accounts for 13% of the price you pay for food and other grocery items.
Organic food and yard waste accounts for 34% (by weight) of all household garbage.
The production of paper, aluminum and glass from recycled materials can reduce the consumption of energy by up to 95%, the consumption of water by up to 50%, air pollution by 95%, and can reduce water pollution by up to 97%! This also means a large reduction in the production of Greenhouse Gases which contribute to global warming.
Plastic and styrofoam packages which are produced from non-renewable petroleum products and many highly toxic chemicals are not biodegradable. They may break down in size, but they don't go away. Avoid them like quicksand. |
