Simplify Your Life by Reducing Waste—Step 1: Refuse

Refuse what you don’t need.

The first step to reducing our waste is to prevent it from entering our lives in the first place.

Why Refuse?

Refusing materials is the primary way to reduce impact on the local landfill.
This isn’t an easy step. Like any habit, it just takes practice!
Say “yes” to bulk purchases. Reuse coffee mugs and water bottles, and thank those restaurants who encourage this concept.
It is so easy to say “yes” to free stuff, but ask yourself—are these things you really need, or is it just marketing material?

Simple daily things you can do:

Bring a reusable container to the restaurant for leftovers.
Keep reusable bags in your car for purchases.
Bring along a water bottle and hot drink cup.
Remove yourself from junk mail.
If doing take-out, request no plasticware and straws.
Turn down freebies from fairs, events, and meetings.
Use your phone and snap a picture of a flyer that interests you instead of taking one.
Sew a DIY cutlery wrap and use reusable straws when away from home.

Visit the Co-op’s houseware section for reusable straws, cutlery, cups, bottles, and containers for restaurant leftovers.

Join us next week as we take on Step 2 – Reduce!

Ken Davis is the Co-op's senior copywriter. Email him at kdavis@coopfoodstore.com.

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