Reduce the amount of material you use by purchasing only the amount you need. Reduce the amount of packaging material by making smart shopping choices. Buy in bulk when possible. Bring your own shopping bags. Use a product completely before throwing it "away." Bring your own cups and coffee mugs, lunch containers, etc.

Reuse your products in some new way. Many products have an afterlife beyond the initial intended use. Think of creative ways to reuse products or give them to someone else who can use them. Thrift stores are an excellent source for reusing everyday products.

Finally, Recycle products that can be recycled. Look for the recycling symbol on recyclable products. Give them another chance! Products can be recycled into new products or completely different products. Recycling is easy. There are many recycling centers listed in this directory. Use them! If curbside recycling is available in your areas, use it. It's cheap and convenient.

It's been said that you're not really recycling unless you buy recycled products. This is part of "closing the loop," which means buying recycled content products, using them and finally, recycling them back "into the loop" whenever possible.

Also, don't forget to considar the end of life recyclability of a product when making your initial purchase. Support manufactures that incorporate end-of-life considarations in their product design.

And don't forget the 5th "R"

Composting is one of the best ways to reduce your household garbage. A compost pile in your backyard can turn your yard trimmings and vegtable table scraps into a rich soil amendment.

Butte County is working towards a sustainable future. You can help. Remember to leave less behind for future generations!