Precycle as You Shop #TalkingTrashTuesday

Bulk Items
Bulk Items

What is precycling?

Definition of precycle: To make purchasing decisions that will reduce the need to recycle or throw into the landfill trash. You precycle so there is less trash to throw away.

Today I was at my local coop refilling my containers, reusing my produce bags, and reusing egg cartons for bulk eggs. #BuyBulk

My 5 ideas for precycling are first, and then five from David Suzuki’s Queen of Green

First, always bring your reusable bags.

Shop with your reusab;e bags
Shop with your reusable bags

Second, choose products that use minimal packaging.

Third, carry your own reuseable water bottle, choose glass over plastic, and reuse glass containers and jars

Fourth, Bulk purchases allow you to purchase the amount you need. I fill my reusable containers with nuts, spices, oatmeal, tea, grains, beans, eggs, and soaps. Whole Foods and coops have recyclable/compostable brown paper bags for bulk items. Placing your bulk items in a “one use” plastic bag negates the environmental advantage of bulk purchases.

Fifth, use washable reusable cloth bags for produce purchases. Avoid products on Styrofoam trays wrapped in plastic film. If you purchase meat or fish, ask for a compostable wrapping.

Some co-ops have fabulous selections of soaps and lotions to refill your bottles
Some co-ops have fabulous selections of soaps and lotions to refill your bottles

Below are ideas from David Suzuki’s Queen of Green and what prompted me to do this post.  She has great ideas below to reduce our waste:

Five tips to recycle less http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/2015/03/five-ways-to-recycle-less/

Tip one: Shop smarter. Beware of excess packaging from all consumer goods — food, personal care products and electronics, even organic, local, non-toxic and GMO-free stuff.

Tip two: Never recycle another glass jar!

Tip three: Reduce is the first “R”.

It’s time for a plastic diet! Buy fewer prepared foods, buy in bulk and pack waste-free lunches.

Tip four: Make your own cleaners.

Tip five: Fix it.

http://www.trashisfortossers.com/   A young woman who has adapted a zero waste life.