First, the technical term that scientists and environmentalists use when referring to reducing is source reduction. While there is no standard definition of source reduction, it generally means using only the minimum amount of material and energy needed to do a specific job. Big benefits from reducing. The most obvious benefit of source reduction is that it diminishes both the amount of materials we use and the amount of waste we create. In the case of packaging, this means less production, use and disposal of paper, plastic, metal and glass.
Less material produced means that fewer pollutants are created and less energy is consumed.
And reduced material and energy costs lead to economic savings for manufacturers, distributors and consumers. This reduction in materials also leads to reduced volume and weight. Reduced gasoline usage also means less pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as lower operating costs. This combination of reduced materials, pollution, energy and financial costs makes source reduction extremely important in our efforts to control and reduce waste. Thus, many experts believe that source reduction is critical in our efforts to create continued economic vitality while restoring ecological health.