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Use reusable dishes, utensils, and/or napkins

Avoid using disposable dishes, utensils, and napkins. Instead, use reusable dishes at home, wash and reuse cloth napkins, pick up a set of washable items to keep at work, and purchase reusable containers to store food in the refrigerator. Going to a potluck or picnic? Take a set of your own dishes, utensils, and reusable containers rather than using disposable products. You can even consider investing in some reusable glass containers for leftovers, which are safer for microwaving and dishwashing repeatedly. Set a good example for kids by packing them “Waste Free Lunches.”

Reduce packaging waste by buying goods in bulk

Pre-packaged items generate a lot of waste and are often more expensive than buying in bulk. Avoid items like plastic-wrapped bananas, individually wrapped prunes, and beverages in Styrofoam containers. Take the same approach when purchasing food for packed lunches. Instead of buying a pack of mini chip bags, buy a single large bag and put a portion into a small reusable container for each lunch. Buying in bulk and buying products that use recyclable, recycled, and biodegradable packaging can reduce the amount of material going into landfills. Learn more about how to buy with less packaging.

Make sure to only buy items in bulk that you will actually use before they go bad. Overbuying can lead to increased food waste.

Dispose of cooking grease properly

Instead of pouring your grease down the drain, collect it in a glass or metal container. Use caution as grease can be very hot. This method of cleaning your pots and pans prevents grease from clogging your pipes and lessens the load on the wastewater system. When the container is full, throw it away or scoop out the solid grease and recycle the container. You can even use leftover animal fat for seasoning cast iron pots or for cooking, as a replacement for butter.

Use wrapping paper alternatives

Alternatives to wrapping paper include the Sunday comics, reused tin boxes, a reusable canvas bag, or a handkerchief. The Japanese furoshiki is a popular wrapping cloth that is frequently used in Eastern Asia to decorate presents. Reusable baking dishes and flower pots are also eco-forward alternatives to traditional gift-wrapping. Check out some more creative ideas for wrapping paper alternatives.

Reduce paper mail by using a junk mail opt-out service

To reduce your junk mail, follow this guide to reducing junk mail, or try a junk mail opt-out service such as DirectMail.com, 41pounds.org, or Catalog Choice. Call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT or visit OptOutPrescreen.com to reduce unwanted credit card and insurance mailings.

Dispose of cigarette butts properly, if applicable

A cigarette butt may seem like a small piece of waste, but throwing it on the ground can do a lot of damage. Instead, dispose of it in a cigarette waste receptacle or trash can.

Cigarette filters are made of a fibrous material called cellulose acetate that takes many years to decompose. Cigarettes that are flicked on the ground or flushed down a drain pollute our local waterways and are eventually carried to the Chesapeake Bay by storm drains and wastewater systems. This “marine debris” is harmful to many plants and animals in the environment. According to the Ocean Conservancy’s annual International Coastal Cleanup reports, cigarette butts are the most common form of ocean debris. According to Clean Virginia Waterways, cigarette filters, cigar tips, and tobacco packaging account for 38% of the marine debris collected worldwide.