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What is precycling?
Precycling
is a term that refers to the consideration of the use and disposal
of all components of the item you are purchasing, including the
packaging. It means buying products that use less of the earths
resources, create less solid waste, and conserve valuable landfill
space.
Why precycle?
- Each year
25 billion Styrofoam cups are thrown in the landfill.
- Americans
throw away 25 million plastic bottles every hour.
- Over 1/3
of municipal solid waste is packaging, most of it paper.
By considering
what will happen to the product and its packaging before you purchase
it you are helping to decrease solid waste, particularly non-recyclable
solid waste.
How do you
precycle?
Its as simple as bringing your own grocery bags when you go to the
supermarket, or at the very least choosing paper bags that are recyclable
with cardboard at SRPs drop-off centers. You can precycle
by bringing your own mug to the coffee shop or dining in instead
of taking out. Choosing glass or aluminum over plastic is precycling,
as both glass and aluminum are easier to recycle and create less
hazardous waste in their manufacturing. Look for products made or
packaged with recycled materials and close the loop.
Most importantly
avoid disposable products and those with elaborate packaging. Send
the message to manufacturers that Americans dont need over-packaged
and disposable products. Use your dollar as your vote money
talks!
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