Reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging. Packaging serves many purposes. However its primary purpose is to protect (prevent tampering) and contains a product. Although the packaging may provide information and preserve hygienic integrity and freshness, some of it is designed specially to enhance a product's appeal or prominence on a store shelf. When choosing between similar products choose the one with the least amount of packaging. Since a large amount of the trash we generate comes from packaging this is a good opportunity to reduce waste.
Buy in bulk. As the amount of a product increases, the packaging waste will usually decrease. Instead of buying single service items, buy the next size up and store any leftovers in a reusable container.
Reduce unwanted mail. Every time you purchase something through the mail your name may go on a list that is sold to other companies that also do business through the mail. While some people may enjoy the unsolicited catalogs or "junk mail" they receive as a result of these mail lists, most would prefer to have their names removed from these lists. To have your name removed (or not added) write to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512 or go on-line to http://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist.
