Reduce

• Before buying something, ask yourself if you need it
• Bring your own bags when you go shopping
• Try to avoid items that have a lot of packaging
• Buy in bulk, or economy-sized packages and refill your containers when possible
• Avoid disposable and single-use products (cameras, cutlery, dishes, napkins, batteries, paper towels, sandwich bags, cling-film, etc.)
• Avoid single serving-sized products—save money and reduce waste by bringing your milk or juice to school in a reusable container
• Bring your own mug when you get a coffee to go
• Bring your own storage containers for left-overs when you dine out
• Reduce the amount of addressed ad-mail you receive by registering your name with the Canadian Marketing Association
• Post a ‘No Junk mail or Fliers’ sign on or in your mailbox
• Think twice before printing documents.  If you must print, print on both sides of the paper
• Buy durable goods, and repair them when possible
• Use the public library
• Avoid buying products that contain toxic materials