There is no doubt that recycling is key to an environmentally conscious lifestyle, but the critical first step has to be waste reduction.  If you ask a majority of people what the most important process to saving the environment is, nearly all would answer recycling.  This response is due largely to the fact that recycling has overshadowed the whole process of waste reduction, but if you think that with out additional waste, the process of recycling would be lessened.

Waste reduction is simple, and can be easily added to your day-to-day routine.  Reduce your purchases; before you buy a product think do I really need this.  Calculate how much raw material went into the product, and what impact disposal of it will have on the environment.  Buy in bulk, generally bulk items have less packing compared to single items, and avoid buying individual servings.  Consider buying a full size product and making single serving for the family using reusable containers.

Think outside the grocery store, there are many other ways to reduce our waste, including creating a ‘Tree Free Home’, which involves replacing paper for cloth (i.e. Napkins, Cleaning Clothes etc) whenever possible. Additionally think about local companies you use, switch to environmentally conscious companies, those who focus on reducing their carbon footprint, and waste production.  These companies can range from Hotels, to Taxi Cabs(EnviroCab) and even Real Estate Companies Arbour Realty(Arbour Realty).

How are you planning on reducing your waste today?