Waste prevention (or source reduction) means eliminating waste before it's created by purchasing products with less packaging, reusing goods instead of throwing them away, using up products completely and eliminating waste whenever possible. Waste prevention saves resources, promotes efficiency, reduces pollution and may even save money.

A few ways to stop waste at the start:

• Compost yard waste and kitchen scraps
• Buy reusable rather than disposable products
• Bring a shopping bag to the store. Buy in bulk when possible
• Avoid individually wrapped or single-serving products
• Choose products with refillable or reusable containers
• Buy fresh produce without packaging
• Send e-mail instead of paper memos.
• Another way to reduce waste is to limit the amount of junk mail you receive. Reduce advertising mail by writing to:

Direct Marketing Association Mail Preferences Service
P.O. Box 3861
New York, NY 10163-3861

Ask that your name be removed from mailing lists. Include all versions of your name and address.

• More information on reducing junk mail
• Information on the California Product Stewardship Council
  • This is an organization working to get manufacturers to make their products non-hazardous and easily recyclable. 

For more ideas on waste prevention, check out CalRecycle.