Leon County Solid Waste Management is really all about waste prevention.  The less waste we make, the more space we have and the cleaner our environment will be.  As citizens of Leon County, we create TWICE the national average of garbage produced on a daily basis.  Granted, we have two major universities and a lot of government offices (city, county, and state), but this is no excuse to the amount of waste we produce.

While the recycling rate is improving, try to remember the first two "R's" in the "Three R's": Reduce and Reuse.

REDUCE packaging waste by bringing your own shopping bags to the grocery stores, department stores, and other markets.  Buy in bulk to not only save money, but to reduce packaging materials being thrown away.

REDUCE lunch waste by packing your lunch or your children's lunch in re-sealable and re-usable containers.  Find great lunchbox ideas at: www.laptoplunches.com or www.wastefreelunches.org.

REDUCE kitchen food waste by composting. Organic waste can be added to a compost pile for a nutrient rich soil amendment, which we like to call a gardener's "black gold".

REDUCE the amount of plastic bottles being recycled by purchasing a quality, long-lasting stainless steel drink container.  Find examples at www.kleankanteen.com and www.reusablebags.com.

REUSE items by mending worn clothes and repairing appliances.  Donate useable items in good condition to the many different local charities.

REUSE non-recyclables such as butter tubs, yogurt containers, Styrofoam and even broken toys by turning these materials into art or other usable items.  Detergent boxes can be made into decorative magazine holders.  Your imagination is your only limit.

Curb single-use product buying.  All types of single-use items are thrown in the garbage every hour and contribute to our growing landfills.  Visit www.thestoryofstuff.com to see consumption and consumerism in action. 

Finally, we all need to THINK before we buy.  If we are buying to replace an item, what is happening to the old one?  Can it be recycled?  Can it be repaired and donated? What will you do with the packaging materials wrapped around the new item?  Can you break down the cardboard container for recycling?

In our wonderful world of modern conveniences, it does take that extra, small effort to help make our world a better place.  Imagine what a world we will have if EVERYONE makes that effort!