1.03 B UNDERSTAND REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE Conservation of resources is vital in protecting the environment and to preserve for future generations. The best place to practice conserving resources is at home. Individuals can substantially REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE waste and conserve resources by practicing the following: 1.03B Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

REDUCE: To cut the amount of WASTE used: SOLID WASTE (consuming and conserving): Packaging: Choose products with minimal packaging to reduce Paper Products: Reduce the amount of paper products used Other: Identify products and practices to reduce waste toxicity. Consult: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/pubs/hhw-con.pdf for options for using and disposing of household disposable waste safely Packaging materials account for a significant amount of the trash we generate. Consider buying items in bulk or those with minimal packaging. Choose products with reduced toxicity such as batteries with reduced mercury. Try to replace products such as pesticides, cleaners, polishes, deodorizers that contain hazardous components. 1.03B Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

REDUCE: To cut the amount of ENERGY used: Lighting Surface Units Refrigerators / Freezers Ovens Examples Solutions Lighting: Use flourescent lightening vs. incandescent lightening Use task lightening vs. general lighting when possible. Take advantage of sunlight when possible. Surface Units: Match the size of the pan to the size of the surface unit. Use lids to reduce cooking time and the amount of moisture lost. Refrigerators / Freezers: Replace gaskets around the doors if seal is not tight. Vacuum condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator at least twice a year. Avoid keeping the refrigerator/freezer doors open too long. Keep refrigerator / freezer organized. Avoid filling the refrigerator/freezer too full. It has to work hard to cool / freeze foods when it is too full. Be sure to cool foods before they are put in the refrigerator / freezer. When replacing appliances look for “Energy Star” trademark Ovens: Plan meals to cook several foods at one time. Avoid opening the oven. Use the oven light to avoid letting heat out of the oven. Use small appliances when cooking smaller amounts of food or to reduce the cooking time. General: Avoid running appliances and other energy usages at peak consumption times of the day. This will save money. 1.03B Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

REDUCE: To cut the amount of WATER used: Faucets Dishwashing Cooking Methods Examples Solutions Faucets: Repair leaky faucets Install low flow aerators. Dishwashing: Wash dishes by hand vs dishwasher when possible. Wash dishes then rinse all dishes afterward when possible. Wash dishes in a dishpan or close the drain and use just the amount of water needed to wash dishes. Wash least dirty dishes first and safe most dirty pots and pans until last. This will save water too! Scrape vs. rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher. Run full loads in the dishwasher. Air dry vs. using the dryer cycle. Cooking methods: Choose cooking methods that use less water in preparation. Rinse fruits and vegetables quickly. Other: Reduce the temperature of hot water heaters. Possible turn off while on vacation to save energy. 1.03B Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

REUSE: Products that you can use again Solutions Consider reusable products Maintain and repair durable products Reuse bags, containers, and other items Borrow, rent, or share items used infrequently Sell or donate goods instead of throwing them out. Be creative with leftovers and create new dishes. 1.03B Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

RECYCLE: Products that can be reprocessed to making something new Solutions: Choose recyclable products Select products made from recycled materials Consult this website http://www.epa.gov/osw/partnerships/plugin/pdf/donate.pdf to find out details on e-cycle electronics and partners to assist with e-cycling Compost yard clippings and some food scraps. Find creative ways to recycle “disposal packages and products. RECYCLE: Products that can be reprocessed to making something new 1.03B Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Resources:1. non-renewable 2. renewable Non-renewable resources are produced in nature but too slow to keep up with demand. Examples are coal/natural gas. Renewable Resources - resources in nature that are replaced at a quicker rate. Examples are water, timber, and solar energy. 1.03B Reduce, Reuse, Recycle