Waste Management — Rethink, Reduce, Reuse
Did You Know?
Paper recycling in the U.S. reduces the same greenhouse gas emissions as removing 39 million cars from the road. [2]
STAY INFORMED
- Waste management is the process of reducing environmental impact through smarter handling of materials. It includes not just recycling, but also reduction, reuse, and energy recovery strategies.
- These strategies lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce landfills, and conserve natural resources.
- While most of us focus on recycling, that’s only one part of a much broader approach to managing waste.
- The EPA outlines four core strategies: reduction & reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and treatment & disposal. [1]
THINGS TO KNOW
1. Start with Reduction and Reuse
- These have the greatest environmental benefit. Use less packaging, choose reusable containers, and repair instead of replace when possible. [1]
2. Recycle Right
- Recycling is the second-best option. Focus on clean, sorted items like cardboard, metals, and certain plastics. [1]
3. Understand Energy Recovery
- This involves converting waste into usable energy, typically through combustion or gasification. It’s not as sustainable as reduction or recycling, but it reduces landfill volume. [1]
4. Treat and Dispose of Waste Properly
- This final step involves managing hazardous and non-recyclable waste safely. Proper disposal minimizes environmental damage. [1]
SUSTAINABILITY REMINDER
Effective waste management begins with awareness. Don’t just toss it — consider whether it can be reduced, reused, or recycled first. Every step you take adds up to a cleaner planet.