Source reduction basics:

What is source reduction? Well, it is reducing the amount of materials or energy in the manufacturing process, distribution, or packaging of a product. Source reduction cuts down on waste from the start, and therefore less possible trash is produced and more resources are conserved. Source reduction is a main goal of EPA solid waste program.

In terms of packaging alone, there are many ways companies have cut back on the materials used in packaging products.

  • Lightweighting. This is when packaging is redesigned to use less material and becomes lighter. For example, 2 liter bottles have become 25% since 1977, reducing 250 million pounds of plastic waste a year.
  • Concentrates. Basically it is making a product stronger, so you can use less to get the job done as well as reduce the package size.
  • Redesign. A rework of the size, shape, or material used to reduce material needed to package a product as well as reduce the distribution costs by more efficient shipping. Both Square and flat boxes pack much better then round ones and reduce fuel consumption during shipping.

Source reduction doesn’t just apply to manufacturers though, consumers can also apply a few rules to their use of products to “reduce” the amount of waste they produce.

  • Select non-hazardous alternatives. By doing so you reduce the toxicity of your waste load. Cleaning products are one area where this really counts.
  • Completely use up a product or share/give it away to others to use it up entirely.
  • Use the right amount. Follow instructions so you are not over using a product, this is especially important when using a “concentrated” product.
  • Use refills. If possible buy refills for your product as they often use less packaging throughout the life of a product as well as saves you money.

So next time you go shopping try to remember to look for products that will reduce your waste stream.

Look for concentrates, refills, and flat packed or square shaped products when you can. By doing so you are reducing that amount of material that you need to recycle or throw away, as well as probably buying a product that was source reduced during it’s production.

For more informaton of Source Reduction check out some of these sites:

EPA Source Reduction http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/rrr/reduce.htm

ULS Sustainable Packaging Certification