The more waste we generate, the more waste must be managed. Managing that waste is expensive. Expenses include collection, transportation, labor, disposal fees and energy costs. There are other environmental impacts to be considered - the consumption of nonrenewable resources and air and water pollution created in the manufacture of products. Since we all produce waste, we are part of the problem.
Many times there are no other choices except to throw away our waste.
But more often than you may realize, a better choice is available. Source reduction focuses on measures to reduce the amount of trash entering the waste stream as well as a reduction of the level of toxicity of materials entering the waste stream. Source reduction is any activity by an individual, business, institution or government that decreases the amount of garbage that would otherwise have been recycled, landfilled or incinerated. Source reduction is the first step before recycling. You, as a consumer, can make a difference by changing your purchasing habits.