Live Green: Increase reusables to reduce disposables

Reusing common household products reduces waste and helps conserve materials and resources. It’s a simple way to make a positive environmental impact. Here are some quick tips for limiting your use of disposable products at work and at home.

1. Jazz up your java.

Make your daily cup of coffee more earth-friendly by using a reusable coffee mug and limiting your use of Styrofoam and disposable cups. Disposable cups fill up our landfills. Styrofoam is nonrecyclable and made from nonrenewable resources. (saves an average of 40 pounds (20 kg) of carbon dioxide (CO2)/year)

2. Break the bottled water habit.

More than 80 percent of water bottles end up in landfills! You can do your part by drinking tap or filtered water from a reusable cup. This also reduces the environmental impact caused by manufacturing, shipping and recycling water bottles. (saves an average of 140 pounds (60 kg) of CO2/year)

3. Put a (metal) fork in it.

One minute of convenience can have an untold negative impact on our landfills when it comes to disposable plastic utensils and paper goods. Take the time to grab washable plates and utensils in the HP cafeteria or at home. Most disposable utensils and food containers are not recyclable and end up in landfills.

4. Recharge your batteries.

Rechargeable lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries can be charged hundreds of times before they need to be replaced. Although initially they may cost a little more than single-charge batteries, they’ll save you money over their longer lifetime. Always recycle used batteries. They are hazardous waste and should not go to landfill.

5. Clean with cloth.

Use washable cloth towels to wipe up spills and messes at home instead of using disposable paper towels.

6. Bag it.

Keep a reusable cloth bag in a convenient location for grocery trips. Each year, millions of plastic grocery bags are sent to landfills. (saves an average of 70 pounds (30 kg) of CO2/year)

Do your part—it’s a start! Think about other disposables you use and how you can go reusable. Together

Spread the word.

CO_{2 reduction numbers are estimates and will vary based on individual use, location and other factors.}