Recycling is collecting already used materials and making them into another product. Recycling begins at the end of a product's life, while source reduction first takes place when the product and its packaging are being designed. And they're activities in which both the cleaning products industry and consumers play a major role. Why It's Important Source reduction conserves raw material and energy resources. Smaller packages and concentrated products typically use fewer materials and less energy to manufacture and transport.
Source reduction reduces releases to air, land and water.
For example, it takes less fuel to transport lighter weight materials. Source reduction cuts back on what has to be thrown away. That helps keep solid waste disposal costs down, which is good for municipal budgets and consumers. PLUS Source-reduced cleaning products take up less space in the home, and are more efficient and easier to use. Buy a concentrated product.