• Use less, reuse, or buy in bulk. Obviously, the easiest way to cut back on waste is just to use less or reuse what you already have—many things can be repurposed or simply reused. Refilling water bottles instead of buying bottled water is one example how to cut down on garbage. Also, buying in bulk cuts back on packaging immensely. By example, a 1999 study commissioned by Stoneyfield Farms and performed by the University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems found that “the 32 ounce containers (quarts) consumed 27 percent less energy to produce and distribute than the 8 ounce containers. If all Stonyfield Farm yogurt were sold in 32 ounce containers, the annualized energy savings would be equivalent to 11,250 barrels of oil.” Further, a Life Cycle Assessment by the Boston-based Tellus Institute that compared a variety of packaging options—plastics, aseptic and poly-coated paper (such as milk cartons), metals, and glass—found that less than 5 percent of the total environmental cost of packaging is in the disposal. Over 95 percent of the environmental cost is in the production of the package—in the energy used and toxins created in the manufacturing process.

• Recycle. Many items can be recycled these days. Here are some handy recycling options for common products.

- Ink Cartridges. Locally, Rapid Refill Ink (746-9700) will refurbish and refill your empty ink cartridge, saving you money and keeping cartridges in working order. Alternatively, most cartridges come with a postage-paid return kit. Most manufacturers will reuse the parts of the cartridge that are valuable. Note, there is a significant cost savings when you have a cartridge simply refilled.

- Batteries. Many rechargeable household batteries can be taken to businesses such as Batteries Plus, Radio Shack, and Home Depot for recycling. (There are no recycling programs for non-rechargeable household batteries.)

- Cell phones. A variety of businesses will take your old cell phones, including AT&T Wireless stores and Verizon Wireless stores. Alternatively, Nevada EcoNet (323-3433) and Tahoe Women’s Services (775-298-0010) will accept your old phones and will send them to agencies that reuse or recycle the phones. As an added bonus, the local nonprofits receive cash back from the phones they collect and donate to the agencies.

- Yard and organic (food) waste. Full Circle Compost just south of Carson City accepts almost every kind of organic (read: food)/yard waste you can imagine, including juniper bushes! Call (775) 267-5305 or visit online at www.fullcirclecompost.com for complete information.

Alternatively, you can set up a compost pile in your backyard and/or start a vermicomposter (worm composter). Once you get it going, it’s easy to maintain (and fun)! Full Circle also offers fully-functioning vermicomposters for sale; they create amazingly rich soil that you can use to fuel beautiful gardens!

Waste Management will take and recycle the following items when put in designated receptacles and left out with your regular trash:

• Glass bottles and jars of all colors

• Cardboard

• Mixed papers, all colors, including: newspaper, junk mail, envelopes, and magazines

• Plastic containers including: bottles and jars (CRV numbers 1 and 2), milk containers, beverage bottles (CRV numbers 1 through 7)

• Metal cans

• Frozen food boxes

• Cereal boxes (with liner removed)

• Paper towel and toilet-paper rolls

• Soy, milk, juice cartons

Items Waste Management will not take for recycling include:

• Paper towels and tissue

• Paper plates and napkins

• Styrofoam

• Plastic and paper cups

• Pizza boxes