Reducing waste is perhaps best accomplished by practicing smart shopping.
Look to buy products that are more durable, less toxic and have less
packaging. Also, buy only what you need and use what you buy. Another
way to reduce waste is to use common services: for example, using
the library instead of buying books, or renting tools instead of buying
them. Make a difference in your community by learning how to be a
better environmental citizen.
Reduce Junk Mail
Every day your mailbox contains another interesting
offer of credit or merchandise, such as catalogs, vacations, or credit
cards. Shopping by mail gives you numerous choices and opportunities.
However, while millions of Americans welcome these choices, others
prefer not to receive such mailings. For
information on how to be removed from major mailing lists and receive less junk
mail, click here.
Use both sides of your paper
A simple and easy way to reduce paper usage is to set
printers to print double sided. Put reminders up by copy machines
for people to make two-sided copies. Check with your technical support
staff to help update the default printing options, or check out these
helpful instructions to get you started. If your printer does not
have double sided printing options, use the backside of one-sided
paper as scrap. Place a small bin for scrap paper on your desk or
next to the printer and encourage others to do the same.
Reduce the amount of magazines, newspapers, and publications
To cut down on subscriptions and multiple copies, get
one subscription and circulate the magazine or newspaper to various
departments or have a central location for people to borrow publications
from. Route or post memos, too.
Become a paperless working and learning environment
Move toward a "paperless office" by using technology: Store computer
documents on diskette instead of making paper copies. Use voice mail or electronic
mail instead of paper memos. Use fax/modems to fax and receive documents by computer.
Use optical scanners and computers for file storage.
Use office products more than once
Use manila envelopes to route internal mail and reuse
file folders, envelopes and boxes. Reuse containers, polystyrene packaging "peanuts" and bags.
Donate reused packing peanuts in clean and usable condition to Mail Services
for reuse in their packing service program. Mail Services will store a quantity
sufficient to their needs; surplus packing peanuts are available to the MIT community
by calling x3-6000. Send the peanuts to Mail Services in sealed bags through
interdepartmental mail, addressed to: Packing Peanuts Reuse Program, WW15. Visit MIT's
Facilities site for more information on the packing service. Please note:
this program is only for packing peanuts: no other packing materials will be
accepted.
Eliminate disposable products
Use coffee mugs, cutlery and crockery in place of paper
and plastic items. Wherever you can, substitute reusable products
for single-use products such as paper towels.
Use rechargeable batteries.
Do not accept a bag when buying one or two items at
a store.
Buy the largest possible container to get the best "product to package ratio" (e.g.,
buy toothpaste in a 6.4 ounce size rather than 4 ounces
or less).
Avoid buying disposable items when durables ones
are available (e.g., disposable vs. reuseable razors).
When you have a choice, buy a product that has less packaging than its competitors.
Look to buy concentrates in smaller packages, rather
than diluted products in larger containers.
Use the Internet to receive news, catalogs, and other information that
usually comes to your house in a paper format.
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