That means buying concentrates and mixing up products at home, buying refills when available and buying in bulk or economy-sizes. The next step after source reduction is to buy products that use recycled materials in their manufacture or packaging. Recycling will work only if manufacturers buy and use recycled materials, and consumer choice helps drive manufacturers' decisions. We must maintain a long-term outlook on the management of wastes. Recycling programs are an integral and beneficial service in Minnesota, offering many economic benefits.
Recycling can create jobs, cut pollution, save natural resources and save energy.
Simultaneously, we need to concentrate on handling the remainder of our garbage appropriately. Ultimately, we are handling our garbage in the most responsible way today and not forcing our children to deal with it tomorrow. Art Dunn is the director of the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, a state agency dedicated to protecting Minnesota's environment and assuring a sustainable economy through waste prevention and resource conservation. 200 Fourth Ave.