Waste Reduction

11% of Potential Reductions

Consumption and disposal of goods generates significant GHG emissions during manufacturing, transport, distribution, and disposal. The best way to reduce emissions is to purchase and consume less in the first place, and then find someone who can reuse whatever you no longer need before considering recycling or disposal.

Top Actions You Can Take

1. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot (compost)

• Check out these resources from Zero Waste Marin on how to reduce waste in your home
• Buy only what you need, see these questions to ask yourself before you buy something
• Have broken items or worn out clothes? View this guide on local shops, resources and tips on repairing

2.  Buy locally grown food and eat less meat

• Review the carbon impact of different food choices
• Want to know the climate impact of your specific diet? Use this climate change food calculator
• For those wanting to eat less meat, see these steps to reduce your meat consumption
• By shopping at local food stores and eating locally-sourced ingredients, you reduce the distance the ingredients need to travel. See local farmers markets and responsible food resources

3. Put your food scraps in the green can and/or compost them at home

• Use Mill Valley Refuse Service's 'What Goes Where Tool' to see what items can go into your curbside compost bin and to reduce waste contamination 
• Look at Zero Waste Marin's tips and resources for composting at home

4. Donate extra food and used clothing and housewares to charities

• See how you can donate extra food to feed locals in need
• For local donation sites for clothing and housewares use this Recycling Guide
• You can also use free online tools such as Freecycle to donate items

5. Don’t be a “wishful” recycler

• Find out what can be recycled and what can't using the 'What Goes Where Tool'
• Don't put old electronics in the trash, make sure they go to an e-waste recycling center
• See how to correctly dispose of other items you'd like to recycle