What is
Sustainability?

Program
Deliverables

How Can I
Help?

The Arboretum at
Penn State Behrend

HOW CAN I HELP?

Waste Reduction

• Avoid disposable products
  • Contacts
  • Razors
  • Napkins
  • Dish towels
  • Cups
  • Plates
  • Silverware
  • Batteries
• If you must use disposable products, buy biodegradable/recyclable ones
• Buy larger “economy” sizes and use to refill smaller containers
• Don’t throw out needles, drugs, aspirators or other medicinal waste in trash, most pharmacists will dispose of them if brought in sealed containers
• Use cloth diapers for babies
• Compost organic waste
• Save leftovers in freezer for soups and stews
• Recycle
• Bring groceries home in least amount of bags, or bring your own
• Choose paper instead of plastic
• Recycle grocery bags, either at the store or for other uses
• Buy food and other products wrapped in least amount of packaging
• Urge grocery store to stock paper, not plastic produce bags
• Write to companies that over-package products
• Avoid plastic products were possible
• Refuse to buy products packaged with polystyrene plastic
• Try having “no waste” picnics/parties (everything used can be reused or recycled)
• Use newspaper or straw for packing materials
• Buy eggs in cardboard cartons
• Do not dispose of hazardous materials in trash
  • Recycle when possible
  • Avoid purchasing hazardous products
• Recycle used ribbons, bows, and decorative wrappings
• Find alternatives to store-bought wrapping paper
• Buy live holiday tree
• Consider an artificial tree
• Recycle cut trees
• Consider alternative holiday presents:
  • Experience gifts (balloon ride, boat ride, etc)
  • Season tickets to local events
  • Membership to local organization
  • Homemade gifts
  • Plants
• Reconsider need for products/goods you buy
• Use both sides of paper
• Re-use products whenever possible
• Buy in bulk
• Buy concentrated, multi-purpose products
• Buy products in cardboard (and recycle cardboard)
• Borrow or rent items you don’t use often
• Maintain and repair items you own
• Donate used items:
  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Furniture
• Avoid throwaway lunch containers (Bruno’s offers a discount for using a refillable mug!!)
• Reduce amount of junk mail received (visit www.obviously.com/junkmail)