Resource Saving Tips


Kitchen Tips:

Reduce

• buy locally grown items - there's usually a lot less packaging
• use stale bread for breadcrumbs, toppings stuffings, croutons or birdfeed
• purchase milk in glass bottles and return for full refund
• buy milk and juice in plastic jugs and recycle
• buy milk in plastic bags and a pouring container instead of cartons
• pack lunches with thermoses for soups or drinks
• use cloth bags or boxes for lunches instead of paper bags
• buy pop / water in bulk using refillable beverage containers
• buy beverages in concentrate (frozen, liquid or crystal)
• buy high volume / expensive foods in bulk (cheese, peanut butter, dried fruits, nuts, etc.)
• make your own cup-a-soup with dried soups and egg noodles
• buy environmentally friendly detergents in bulk or refillable containers
• use dishcloths, sponges and dishtowels instead of disposable paper products
• use cloth napkins and wash as needed (sew initials in corner to identify 'whose is whose')
• use an erasable note board instead of paper notes

Reuse

• use refillable travel / coffee mugs for driving, work or school
• pack sandwiches in reusable plastic sandwich containers
• reuse glass juice bottles with metal lid for refilling for lunches
• reuse yogurt / margarine tubs for leftovers or in lunches
• reuse glass jars for storing cooking fat or leftovers
• reuse ice cream buckets for holding compostables, storing large supplies of dried foods
• containers for toys, craft supplies, etc
• check the classified ads for used items before buying new items (ex: appliances, furniture, etc.) 
• reuse plastic containers for leftovers instead of foils or plastic wraps
• rent dishes, glasses and cutlery for special events - it saves money and time (you can return
• them dirty)
• reuse plastic grocery bags when you shop instead of getting new ones
• use cloth bags when buying groceries instead of using the plastic or paper bags
• reuse plastic grocery bags for garbage bags
• buy eggs in bulk - reuse egg containers when shopping
• reuse egg cartons as containers to start plant seeds
• make nutritious, homemade soup from all your leftovers

Recycle

• pack lunchtime fruit remains back in sandwich container for composting at home
• compost food waste from teabags to peanut shells
• buy or build a backyard composter
• buy or build an indoor worm composter - fun for kids and no smells or files if done right
• use reusable coffee filters or compost the disposable ones
• contact local food banks to pick up perishable items from restaurants or special events
• recycle animal byproducts / cooking oil (large volumes) through a free pick-up service
• recycle plastic grocery bags at major grocers - recycle glass jars and tins - please wash an
• remove lids and labels
• donate old appliances to local thrift stores - to rebuild or for parts
• recycle your fridge - have a professional capture the harmful CFC gases; metal recycler
• usually accept the fridges for the metal value
• donate or shop for kitchen items at local thrift stores (from kids cups to can openers)
• recycle clean aluminum foil and pie pans
• recycle old phone books and directories
• complete the recycling loop - look for items with recycled content