1. Get to know the rules of recycling.
Don’t be intimidated by the complicated symbols and sorting rules. Navigating the recycling system is actually quite simple once you do a little research. Since recycling standards vary from place to place, find out the specific rules for your area.
While it’s better to implement reusable packaging in your home wherever possible, recycling is the next best option and it will prevent excess waste from heading for the landfill.
2. Ditch the plastic bags.
One of the simplest ways to decrease the amount of waste you produce is to use reusable bags while shopping. Instead of relying on your supermarket’s plastic bags, bring your own cloth ones to pack up your items and tote them home. Keeping a bunch of extra bags in the trunk of your car or right by the door is an easy way to make sure you don’t forget them at home.
3. Make a meal plan.
In addition to material waste, food waste is a huge problem in American households. However, it’s entirely preventable if the consumer follows one simple rule: only buy groceries that you know will eat. It sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how much food is regularly thrown into the garbage in America.
4. Start relying on reusable containers.
Once you start buying only what you need, take it to the next level by storing food properly, which will extend its life and keep things fresh for as long as possible.
Invest in some quality airtight containers for things like baking ingredients, cereals, and other things that can stale quickly. If you buy loose food items from farmer’s markets or bulk bins at stores like Whole Foods, reusable containers are especially important to have in your kitchen.
5. Start composting.
Every day, a large amount of what you throw into the trash could be composted and returned to the earth. If you have a bin and some extra space, you can easily start a compost that could feed back into your garden. Your excess food won’t go to waste, your garden will be full of nutrients and you can feel better about your impact on the planet. Win, win, win.
Read the rest of the article at the Huffington Post
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/reduce-home-waste_n_57912d0be4b0fc06ec5c4b56