Tips for Zero Waste Practices to Reduce Waste and Save Resources

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Recycle Right

Hands holding various recyclable items

Use our What Goes Where resources to check whether items belong in the trash, compost, or recycling.
The general rule of thumb for recycling plastics is to ask: Is this a bottle, tub, or jug? If yes, recycle! If no, trash.
See the Dirty Dozen for more information.

Avoid Plastic Packaging

Plastic packaging

Avoid plastic packaging by choosing loose products such as fruits and vegetables instead of pre-wrapped or bagged.
Bring your own reusable produce bags.
Use reusable containers for storage.

B.Y.O.Cup

Reusable coffee mug saying "Together, we can do great things!"

Reduce, Reuse, Remember your cup!
Keep a reusable cup or mug in your bag, at your desk, or in your car to bring with you to the coffee shop, boba shop, or fast-food restaurant.
Keep a reminder note to bring your cup by the door or with your keys.

Fight Food Waste

Food waste

According to the EPA, food waste is the largest component of waste going into municipal landfills. Fight food waste by planning your meals and buying accordingly.
Save and store leftovers in containers to eat later. Package leftovers in meal-sized portions to make it easy take to work or school for a meal.
Freeze vegetable peels and meat bones to make stock.
Use up overripe fruit by baking it into a pie or bread.
Check out these food storage and preparation tips to keep your food fresh.

Host Zero Waste Events

Pitcher of lemonade

Provide reusable plates, cutlery, cups, and cloth napkins that you can wash and use again.
Avoid single-use beverage containers by making your own drink in a pitcher or drink-dispenser.
Sort waste properly by providing labeled compost, recycling, and trash containers for clean-up
- Download signs for waste containers from the What Goes Where page

Ditch Disposables

Reusable silverware sticking out of backpack pocket

Pack a set of reusable cutlery and a straw to use on the go.
Refuse plastic straws when you don't need one.
Request no condiment packets or plastic cutlery if you're bringing a takeout order home where you have these items.

Plastic Free Challenge

Challenge yourself to a Plastic Free July (and beyond) by avoiding as much plastic waste as you can. Download the Plastic Free Challenge chart for tips.

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