EPA/530-SW-90-034B
October 1990
&EPA
Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OS-305)
The Environmental
Consumer's Handbook
Printed on Recycled Paper
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The Cat's Out of the Bag
Reduce Reuse
Recycle Respond
This booklet descril>
toward a serious problem...what to do with all your garbage. As a
consumer, you can help alleviate the garbage glut by making
environmentally aware decisions about the products and packap
you purchase, use, and ultimately dispose of.
Like the old tale that says cats have nine lives, so do many of the
items you use everyday. The container that began its life as a peanut
butter jar can be washed and reused to store buttons or thumb tacks.
The lemon juice bought to bake a meringue pie is also an excellent
household cleaner.
Reusing products and packages is a practical way to cut down on
what you throw away. This booklet describes many other waste reduc-
tion steps that you as a consumer can take. Why should you choose to
reduce? Because you'll save money, protect the natural environment.
and help improve the quality of everybody's life.
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Be an Environmentally
Alert Consumer
In one day, the average American
generates several pounds of gar-
bage. Just consider a typical family's
daily routine....
Dad gets up, showers, and shaves
with a disposable razor. Before
heading to the daycare center,
Mom puts a fresh disposable diaper
on the baby. In the kitchen, the kids
pop their pre-prepared breakfasts
into the microwave and minutes
later throw away the multiple layers
of packaging the meals are wrapped
in. There's no time to wash dishes,
so everyone eats with throwaway
utensils. After the morning paper
gets a quick review, it gets tossed,
too.
It's not even 9 o'clock and this
family already has created a small
mound of garbage. The pattern is
likely to continue throughout the
day, too. Every hour, at least one
member of this family very likely
throws something away such as
disposable coffee cups from the
convenience store down the street,
lunch containers, used ballpoint
pens, shopping bags, and so on. Of
course, they're not unusual.
Americans generate millions of tons
of municipal solid waste each year
in the form of wrapping, bottles,
boxes, cans, diapers, yard waste,
food scraps, furniture, clothing,
and many other items.
Though you may not realize it,
the products you buy and throw
away have a significant impact on
the environment. The improper
disposal of some products (such as
motor oil and household cleaners)
can introduce potential hazards
into the environment and endanger
plants and wildlife. Products and
packaging designed to be thrown
away after a single use can increase
disposal costs, deplete our natural
resources, contribute to litter, and
add to our nation's waste disposal
difficulties.
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Integrated waste management refers to the complementary use of a.
variety of waste management practices to safely and effectively handle
municipal solid waste. The following is the preferred hierarchy of
approaches.
Source reduction is the design, manufacture, purchase, or use of
materials or products (including packages) to reduce their amount
or toxicity before they enter the municipal solid waste stream.
Because it is intended to reduce pollution and conserve resources,
source reduction should not increase the net amount or toxicity of
wastes generated throughout the life of a product.
* Recycling prevents potentially useful materials from being landfilled
or combusted, thus preserving our capacity for disposal. Recycling
also saves energy and natural resources.
Waste combustion and landfilling also are essential to managing
waste that cannot be reduced or recycled. Waste combustion reduce
the bulk of waste by burning it in specially designed facilities, and
often provides the added benefit of energy production. Source
reduction and recycling can make combustion safer and more
efficient by removing items from the waste stream that may be
difficult to burn, that may cause potentially harmful emissions, or
that may make ash management problematic. Landfilling isand
likely to continue to bea major component of waste management.
"fou can, however, greatly reduce the portion of waste requiring land
disposal by becoming aw;are of your own contributions to the garbage*
glut and by modifying your habits to promote wise use and reuse of
our valuable resources.
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The Solid Waste Crisis
It's no secret that many areas of
the country are facing a solid waste
crisis because there's too much
trash and not enough places to put
it all. Nearly half of the nation's
landfills will close in the next sev-
eral years. Few new landfills or
combustors are being built to
replace these facilities due to con-
cerns over noise, traffic, air and
water pollution, and potential
health risks.
At the same time, many commu-
nities are finding creative solutions
to their waste problems. Across the
country, these communities are
implementing "integrated waste
management systems" that use a
mix of solutions (source reduction,
recycling, and combustion and
landfilling) to manage their trash.
Source Reduction
Source reduction is any practice
that reduces the amount or toxicity
of a waste. It includes making goods
last longer, reusing products, and
reducing packaging. Because
source reduction actually prevents
the generation of waste in the first
place, it is an approach that needs
to preceed other management
options that deal with the waste
after it is already generated.
Source reduction can be as
simple as reaching for a sponge
instead of a paper towel, or as com-
plex as redesigning a product so
that less packaging is needed.
The concept is not new. Many
people used to make quilts out of
scrap clothing and buy their milk in
bottles that were cleaned and
reused by dairies.
The Throwaway Society
It wasn't until the 1940s and
1950s that "throwaway behaviors"
really took root in American cul-
ture. In 1955, a Life magazine
article called "Throwaway Living"
described the country's infatuation
with such disposables as throwaway
vases and draperies, disposable
duck decoys, and barbecue grills
that could be tossed after a single
use.
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The United States embraced a throwaway ethic
in the 1950s, as depicted in this 1955 Life magazine photo.
Peter Stackpole, Life magazine, © 1955, Time, Inc.
-------
Over the years, consumers have
been persuaded that disposable
products and throwaway packaging
are more attractive and convenient
than reusable or durable goods. It's
easy to take for granted the vast
array of products that are designed
for one use and then discarded.
And, how often have you thrown
out broken items rather than repair
them, or disposed of perfectly good
products when "new and improved"
ones come on the market?
Of course, every time you throw
away an item, you pay a price. As a
consumer, you pay to replace the
products you toss out. As a citizen,
you pay to have your trash hauled
away and disposed of. And everyone
pays for the toll all this waste can
take on the natural environment.
It's time to change. You can
make a difference.
A New Attitude
Solving the solid waste dilemma
requires more than simply finding
new places to put trash. It requires
making changes in attitudes and
behaviors. Just as you feel uncom-
fortable when you litter, you need
to feel uncomfortable when you
don't reuse and recycle, when you
throw items away instead of repair-
ing them, and when you buy
products in "convenient" packages
that immediately get tossed out.
Evaluate your daily waste-producing
activities to determine which ones
are essential (such as buying
medicines and foods wrapped in
packaging for your safety and
health), and which are not (such as
throwing away glass jars that could
be reused or recycled).
A Fundamental Solution
Changing behaviors does not
mean a return to a more difficult
lifestyle, however. In fact, just the
opposite may happen. If individuals
don't practice source reduction, the
economic and environmental costs
to dispose of waste will continue to
increase, and all
communitieslarge and
smallwill face tough decisions
about where to put their trash.
Many municipalities already are
confronting these difficult issues.
Source reduction is a fundamen-
tal solution to the garbage glutif
there's less waste, there's less of a
waste problem. Source reduction
also saves natural resources (such as
trees and oil) that must be used to
make new products, and prevents
the air or water pollution often
associated with manufacturing.
Everyone Has a Role
All sectors of society have a role
in changing current patterns of
consumption and disposal. Manu-
facturers can design products that
are less toxic, that require less pack-
II
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aging, that are recyclable, and that
result in less waste at the end of
their useful lives. Merchants can
stock products that are truly envi-
ronmentally friendly. You can
respond by purchasing those prod-
ucts and by expressing your
preferences for them.
As large consumers, manufactur-
ers, retailers, schools, and all levels
of government can buy products
with source reduction attributes.
Besides creating incentives to
encourage all sectors of society to
create less waste, the federal
government can provide leader-
ship, disseminate information, and
assist communities in planning and
implementing source reduction
measures. State, local, and tribal
governments can create the most
appropriate source reduction mea-
sures for their locales. Some
communities are already consider-
ing user fee charges, requiring
households and businesses to pay a
certain dollar amount for every bag
of trash they toss.
Your Role
The easiest, most direct way for
you to make a difference is to watch
what you buy and throw away. You
can alleviate your individual
"garbage glut" by following these
basic principles:
REDUCE the amount of trash
discarded;
REUSE containers and prod-
ucts;
RECYCLE as much as possible;
RESPOND to the solid waste
dilemma by reassessing waste-
producing activities and by
expressing preferences for less
waste.
How can you put these principles
into practice? You can start by
taking a few simple steps.
REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE RESPOND
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A Baker's Dozen Tips for the
Environmentally Aware Consumer
ds.
2. Buy, maintain, and repair durable products.
, Reuse bags, containers, paper, boxes, and other items.
I. Select products with the most purposeful, least wasteful
packaging.
>. Buy concentrates, larger-sized containers, or products in
bulk.
6. Buy products that can be recycled and make sure to
recycle them.
7, Buy products made of recycled materials.
8. Buy nonhazardous products for use around the house.
9. Compost food and yard wastes.
Borrow, rent, or share things you use infrequently.
Buy, sell, and donate used and secondary goods
such as clothes, furniture, and appliances.
12. Make your preferences known to
merchants, politicians, and
community leaders.
13. Be creativelook for
opportunities to practice
source reduction!
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Buy reusable products and avoid
disposable goods.
Each year, the United States produces 1.6 billion disposable pens, 2 billion
throwaway razors and blades, and 16 billion disposable diapers, to say nothing of
eating utensils, plates, cups, and even cameras that are used once and then
thrown away.
Instead of using disposable cups, take a ceramic mug or glass to work that can
be washed and reused. Carry your own cup to working meetings or on
breaks. At home, use reusable and durable plates, cups, silverware, and food
containers.
While disposable products for your baby may be necessary sometimes, when
you can, consider using cotton or terry cloth diapers and washcloths you
clean yourself.
Buy refillable pens or ones with replaceable cartridges.
Use razors with replaceable blades.
Use rechargeable batteries and rechargeable
small appliances whenever possible.
Use sturdy washable utensils and dishes for
picnics, outdoor parties, and potlucks.
Use cloth napkins. Reach for a sponge or
dishcloth instead of a paper towel to clean
up.
Consider purchasing milk, water, soft
drinks, or seltzer in reusable
containers. In some areas, these
items can be delivered to your
home, picked up, and reused by the
company that provides them.
10
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Buy, maintain,
and repair
durable products.
Avoiding disposables goes hand in hand
with buying durable and fixable prod-
ucts. Long-wearing clothing, tires,
appliances, and other items may cost
more at first, but they often save money
in the long run. Ultimately, they need
less repair and will not have to be
replaced as frequently.
Select energy-efficient appliances and .
electronic equipment with good warranties
and service contracts. Check consumer reports
for products with a record of high consumer
satisfaction and low breakdown rates.
Keep appliances in good working order. Follow
manufacturers' suggestions for proper operation and
maintenance. Manufacturers' service departments may have toll-
free numbers; phone toll-free directory assistance at 1-800-555-1212 to find
out.
Buy long-lasting tires and maintain them. To extend tire life, check tire
pressure once a month, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for
upkeep, and rotate tires routinely.
Mend your clothes instead of throwing them away.
When possible, repair worn shoes, boots, handbags, and briefcases.
Purchase durable furniture, luggage, sporting goods, and tools that will stand
up to use.
Buy low-energy fluorescent light bulbs rather than incandescent ones. They'll
last longer and also reduce your electric bill.
*
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Reuse bags, containers, paper,
boxes, and other items.
Many everyday household goods have more than one life. After being
emptied and cleaned, common items can be used in countless money-
saving and practical ways.
Reuse paper and plastic bags, and twist ties. You might keep a
supply of bags or boxes in your car to reuse on your next
shopping trip. Where merchants allow, bring a string, mesh, or
canvas bag to the store. If you buy only one or two items,
decline a bag altogether.
Reuse glass jars, coffee cans, and dairy tubs to store
foods; hardware (screws and nails); and other useful
items (buttons, thumb tacks, or paper clips). Reuse
aluminim foil, pie tins, and the trays that come with
some frozen and microwavable meals.
Reuse scrap paper. Staple together sheets of scrap
paper to make note pads and shopping lists. Use both
sides of a piece of paper before recycling it. Save and
reuse gift boxes, ribbons, tissue paper, and larger
pieces of wrapping paper.
Save packaging, colored paper, egg cartons, and
other items for arts and crafts projects at day
care facilities, scout troops, and senior citizen
centers. Cut up old draperies, bedding,
clothing, towels, and cotton diapers for use
as patchwork, rags, doll clothes, or other
projects.
12
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Reuse newspaper, polystyrene "peanuts," and "bubble wrap" to ship your next
fragile package. Use brown paper bags to wrap parcels.
Wash and reuse empty plastic milk jugs, water bottles, and other similar
containers. These containers can be used for various purposes, such as to
store and transport used motor oil (and other liquids).
Turn used lumber into birdhouses,
mailboxes, a compost bin, or other
woodworking projects. If the lumber is
unpainted and not pressure treated,
burn it as firewood.
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The Degradable Plastics Debate
As a consumer, you must make some tough decisions every time you
shop. Even with good intentions, however, it's not always apparent how to
"do the right thing."
One of the biggest debates has centered on degradable plastics, such as
trash bags, grocery bags, and even biodegradable diapers. Is such technol-
ogy the answer to the solid waste crisis? That remains to be seen. Little
evidence exists that biodegradable plastics have the potential to reduce
landfill space. Still, these products are tempting consumers with some
rather remarkable claims.
Biodegradable plastics are made with a filler, usually cornstarch, that is
broken down by microorganisms. Under the right conditions, the product
is supposed to break down into pieces small enough to naturally degrade
into carbon dioxide and water.
In reality, however, few data support these products' claims of
biodegradability. First of all, little degradation of any kind is taking place
in our modern landfills, which is where most of these "biodegradable"
items would end up. Researchers have unearthed cabbages, carrots, and
readable newspapers that have been in landfills for 30 years or more^ It is
unlikely that biodegradable trash bags would achieve better results.
Secondly, there are few studies on the impact of small pieces of plastics,
which would result from partial degradation of these products, on wildlife
and the environment.
Even assuming that biodegradable plastics do perform exactly as they
are supposed to, they still use up valuable resources that will not be
reclaimed as they would be in recycling. It is feared that biodegradable
plastics will continue to encourage consumers to dispose of their plastic
waste, rather than reduce or recycle it. Biodegradable plastics could also
interfere with the cost effectiveness of recycling and with the recycling
process itself.
14
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Select products with the most pur-
poseful, least wasteful
packaging.
Packaging materials account for a significant amount of all the trash consumers
generate. Packaging is necessary to prevent tampering,
and to preserve the hygienic integrity and fresh-
ness of certain products such as foods and drugs.
But some products are wrapped in packaging that
is difficult to recycle or serves no purpose /^'
except to enhance a product's attractiveness. /^/. /ffjl,
Avoid buying goods with unnecessary
packaging, such as "bubble-packs" that
wrap items in plastic seals with
cardboard backing just for display, or
"double packaging" such as a bottle
inside a box.
Avoid packaging made with
mixed materials, such as
containers made of paper
laminated with plastic or foil.
Given two equivalent products,
choose the one packaged more
simply, with a single, recyclable
material.
Buy fresh produce sold without
packaging whenever possible. Avoid using
plastic bags for purchases such as a couple of
cucumbers, cloves of garlic, or lemons.
Let store managers know you want less packaging.
Ask clerks not to double or triple wrap your purchases.
15
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Buy concentrates, larger-sized
containers, or products in bulk.
The concept of buying in bulk is not new. Buying larger-sized packages not only
saves money since you get more product, but it also makes sense environmentally
because you get less packaging. For example, less waste is generated by using one
64-ounce box of laundry soap compared to two or three
smaller size packages of the same product.
Buy large or economy size items for household
products you use regularlylaundry soap,
shampoo, baking soda, pet foods, kitty litter,
and the like.
Buy the largest size food packages available
that you can use without spoilage.
Many manufacturers have created
refillable product containers. Buy the
original container once, and then refill
it from a bulk container. Especially
look for household and laundry
products available in refillable
containers.
If you currently buy single food
servings, try buying the next largest
serving and storing the leftovers in
reusable, sturdy storage containers.
Buy concentrates such as fruit juices and
drinks, detergents, and automobile windshield
o
washer fluid to eliminate the need to pay for and
carry a big package. Buy bouillon cubes instead of
canned soup stock.
Buy grains, beans, cereal, pasta, and other items in bulk
whenever possible.
If storage space is a concern, try sharing bulk purchases with friends and
neighbors. You also can extend the "buying-in-bulk" concept to mail order
purchases. Place an order with a group of people to save money on shipping
costs and reduce packaging waste.
16
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Buy products that can be recycled
and make sure to recycle them.
Producing goods from recycled paper, glass, and aluminum consumes
significantly less energy and water, and results in less air and water pollution than
producing goods from virgin or raw materials. Yet, our landfills are packed with
products people routinely throw away that can be recycled. Besides environmental
advantages, recycling can have economic rewards. Many
groups around the country have made money from recy-
cling projects.
Purchase products made of materials that are
collected for recycling in your community,
such as glass, aluminum, tin, some paper, and
certain plastics. Look for the standard
"recyclable" label depicted in the picture to
the left. If a system is not in place for you to
return a certain type of material, that
material is not recyclable.
If your community recycles, be sure to
participate, whether it is a curbside pickup or
drop-off program. Call your local town hall
to find out the schedule, how to separate
your trash, what materials are accepted, and
where the drop-off stations are located. For
example, some communities require
individuals to separate glossy paper from
newspaper, and different types of cans. You can
use a magnet to tell steel, tin, or bimetal cans
from aluminum cans (a magnet does not stick to
aluminum).
If your community does not have a recycling
program, participate in setting one up. Call local
salvage operators to see if they will accept or pick up
materials for recycling.
Encourage local businesses and your merchants to recycle office paper and
beverage cans and bottles, and to use shredded paper for shipping.
Businesses also can recycle cardboard boxes or donate them to recycling
drives.
Bring used car batteries and motor oil (saved in clean plastic jugs) to
automobile service centers and other places that collect these items for
recycling.
17
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Buy products made of
recycled materials.
Merely separating your glass, cans, paper, and plastic trash is only part of the
recycling process. For recycling to be successful, these materials must be pro-
cessed into new goods and marketed. And, to close the recycling loop, you must
purchase the products made from recycled materials.
Shop for cereals, detergents, pasta, cake mixes,
and other items in packages made of
recycled materials. Once you've bought a
product, you'll be able to tell if it's a
recycled package by examining its interior
(recycled cardboard is grey not white). In
addition, the recycling symbol may be
displayed on the package or container.
Buy beverages in bottles and cans that
have been made from recycled materials.
Buy products with recycled content such
as stationery, wrapping paper, toilet
paper, paper towels, napkins, tissues,
note pads, and computer paper. These
items, along with plastic, glass, and other
material, are available through mail-order
catalogues, stationers, print shops, and a
growing number of grocery and drug
stores.
Encourage your employer to purchase and
use recycled stationery, note pads, computer
paper, and other such items.
18
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Reduce Your Advertising Mail
1989, over 90 million Americans made one or more purchases
tgh the mail. When consumers make these mail-order purchases,
names are often added to a list and marketed to other places that do
>,«~».*ess through the mail. While many people enjoy the catalogues,
f ' . (j / JT JT .j / o
sweepstakes offers, magazines solicitations, and other advertising mail
they receive as a result of these lists, those who'd like to receive less
national adver using mail can choose either of two options. Consumers
making mail or telephone purchases can ask companies not to rent or
share their names with other mailers. Consumers who choose not to shop
at home can write to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
11 West 42nd Street
'.O. Box 3861
ew York, NY 10163-3861
lie Mail Preference Service is a no-charge service program that
removes consumers* names from many national mailing lists. Be sure to
provide your name and address, including zip code, when writing to to
the Mail Preference Service.
It may take a few months before there is a noticeable decrease in the
amount of national advertising mail you receive. In addition, local adver
tising mail, such as store flyers, will not be affected. In these cases, you
write directly to the mailer and request that your name be removed fror
,
dill
tisi
wri
the
the mailing list.
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Buy nonhazardous products for
use around the house.
You don't consciously think of putting
"hazardous substances" on your shopping list, but
that's just what you do when you purchase such
items as corrosive toilet cleaners and ignitable
paint thinners. Not only do these and similar
products add to health risks in your home, but
they become hazardous to the environment
when you improperly use them, wash them
down the drain, pour them in your backyard,
or improperly dispose of the containers that
contain product residuals. Hazardous wastes
disposed of with the regular trash pick-up
can potentially harm the collectors, catch
fire, work their way into ground water, or
create dangerous gases that can escape
into the air.
Avoid buying products that contain
toxic materials.
Be alert to labels. Words such as
"danger," "poison," "warning,"
and "caution" indicate that a
product is harmful and may
need to be specially disposed of.
"Nontoxic" typically means a
product is safe for humans, but
may not be safe for the
environment. Other warning
signals include "do not get in contact
with eyes," "do not swallow," "avoid
inhalation of vapors," and "use in a well-
ventilated area."
Ask your local merchants what nontoxic
alternatives to toxic household items they
carry, and use them. If they don't stock any,
encourage them to.
20
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Check with your local library or bookstore for guidebooks containing non-
toxic household tips or look in the "Bibliography" section of this booklet.
For products containing toxic substances, purchase only the
amount you can use at one time. If you do
have leftover materials, ask neighbors if
they can use them or donate them to a
nonprofit group, shelter, or theater
group.
Dispose of product containers properly,
according to your community's policy
on household hazardous waste disposal.
Product labels may also include specific
disposal instructions.
Check with your local chamber of com-
merce, county, or state environmental
agency to see if your town sponsors pe-
riodic household hazardous waste col-
lection days. On these days, qualified
professionals collect hazardous wastes at a
central location to ensure safe waste
disposal. Refer to the list of state waste
management agencies at the back of this
booklet.
Encourage your community to begin a collec-
tion program, if one does not already exist.
A/ONTOXIC
HOUSEHOLD
21
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1. The life
butter jar begins on
the supermarket shelf,
filled with your favorite
brand. When emptied
and cleaned out, you
and your family can
use It In many practical ways.
2. It's a perfect container for displaying
a prized marble collection.
9. When you collect
too many peanut
butter jars, be sure to
recycle the extras.
They may be used to
manufacture new
peanut butter jars or
other glass containers.
8. Then use it to show
off the beautiful flowers
yog picked for the
dinner table when the
fishing is done.
22
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4. And to mix a batch
of concentrated juice.
3. It can be used to
store leftovers...
5. It can be taken back
to the store to buy
foods In bulk, such as
honey, maple syrup,
and even more peanut
butter.
NINE
ESOF
EANUT
TIER
AR
7. Take the jar on your
next fishing trip to
carry live bait.
6. The jars also make
great cookie cutters.
23
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Hazardous Products Common!
Around the House
Bathroom: air fresheners; disinfectants; tub and tile cleaners.
Living and Storage Areas: furniture polish; fabric cleaner; rug
shampoo; spot remover; flea spray; nail polish remover; mothballs.
Kitchen: oven cleaner; floor wax; disinfectants; drain cleaner.
Basement and Workshop: oil-based paints; stains and varnishes;
§icides; and photographic chemicals.
tge and Outdoors: antifreeze; lighter fluid; car batteries; used
or oil; gasoline; rust remover; vinyl cleaner; degreasers: pesli-
s; lawn fertilizers: swimming pool chemicals.
24
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Safer Substitutes for Household Hazards
Here are a few of the hundreds of safe substitutes for household
hazardous products readily available. Some are time-tested favorite reme-
dies and others are modern day innovations.
Safer
Substitute
In ) quart warm or hot water, mix 1 teaspoon liquid
soap, boric acid (borax), lemon juice, and/or vinegar.
Make stronger according to the job to be done.
Housekold
Product
All-purpose cleaner
Glass cleaner
Drain cleaner
Oven cleaner
Toilet bowl cleaner
Furniture polish
Laundry detergent
Rug deodorizer
and shampoo
Silver polish
Plant sprays
Mothballs
Fly paper
Roach and
ant repellent
Flea and tick powder
Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart
water. Spray on and use newspaper to wipe dry.
Pour boiling water down drain once a week. Use a
plunger or snake.
Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool
and baking soda; for tough stains, add salt (do not use
this method in self-cleaning or continuous-clean ovens).
Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar.
Wipe with mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon oil in 1 pint min-
eral or vegetable oil.
Use natural soap flakes. Add 1/4 cup vinegar during the
first rinse if the water is hard to prevent the soap from
leaving a film.
Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally widi baking
soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if nec-
essary. To clean rugs, vacuum first to remove dirt. Mix 1
quart white vinegar and 3 quarts boiling water. Apply to
nap of rug with wet rag being careful not to saturate rug
backing. Dry thoroughly. Then vacuum.
Boil 2 to 3 inches of water in a shallow pan with 1 tea-
spoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and a sheet of alu-
minum foil. Totally submerge silver and boil for 2 to 3
more minutes. Wipe away tarnish. Repeat if necessary.
Another alternative is to use nonabrasive toothpaste.
Wipe leaves with mild soap and water; rinse.
Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, or
white peppercorns.
Boil together sugar, corn syrup, and water. Spread on
brown paper and hang.
Sprinkle powdered boric acid in cabinet edges, around
baseboards, and in cracks.
Put brewer's yeast or garlic in your pet's food; sprinkle
fennel, rue, rosemary, or eucalyptus seeds or leaves
around animal sleeping areas.
25
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Compost food and yard wastes.
Backyard composting of food and yard wastes can significantly reduce the
amount of waste you produce. When properly composted, these wastes can be
turned into natural soil additives for use directly on your
lawn and garden. Composting will improve soil texture,
increase the ability of the soil to absorb air and water,
suppress weed growth, decrease erosion, and reduce
i the need to apply commercial soil additives and peat
moss.
Learn how to compost food and yard wastes in
your backyard (see the guidelines below). For
more information, see the materials listed in the
back of this booklet, or check with your local
environmental, agricultural, or park service.
Unfortunately, composting foods in highly
populated areas is not recommended because it
will very likely attract rodents and other pests.
If you don't have room for a compost bin, see if a
neighbor or community garden project can use your
compost.
3*-i i " ~ ** You can also donate your yard debris and leaves to a
community composting program or garden project.
Composting Is Easy!
You can set up a compost pile in a corner of your yard with few supplies. Choose a level spot
about 3-feet square near a water source and preferably out of direct sunlight. Clear the area of
sod and grass. If you build a composting bin, such as with chicken wire, scrap wood, or cinder
blocks, be sure to leave enough space for air to reach the pile. One removable side makes it eas-
ier to tend to the pile.
Almost all foods can be composted, including vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee grinds
with filters, tea bags, and fish leftovers. In addition to leaves, grass, and yard clippings, vacuum
cleaner lint, wool and cotton rags, sawdust, shredded newspaper, and fireplace ashes can also be
composted. DO NOT compost meats, dairy foods, or any fats, oil, or grease.
Start the pile with a 4-inch layer of leaves, loose soil, grass clippings (not treated with weed
killer), or other coarse yard waste. Now begin to build a 6-inch layer of food wastes. Continue
alternating food waste with layers of soil, grass, or leaves, until the pile is about 4 ft high. Add
alfalfa meal or clean cat litter to the pile to absorb odors. In dry weather, sprinkle water on the
pile, but don't get it too soggy. Turn the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork to circulate air
and distribute moisture evenly. Don't be surprised by the heat of the pile or if you see worms,
both of which are part of the decomposition process.
In most climates, the compost is done in 3 to 6 months when it becomes a dark crumbly
material that is uniform in texture. Spread it in the garden or yard beds, or under the shrub-
bery. You also can use the compost as potting soil.
26
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Borrow, rent, or share things
you use infrequently.
Seldom used items like certain power tools and party goods often just collect
dust, rust, and take up valuable storage space. Why not rent or borrow these
items the next time you need them?
Rent party decorations and supplies such as tables, chairs,
centerpieces, linens, dishes, and silverware.
Rent or borrow audiovisual equipment instead of buying it.
Rent or borrow tools such as ladders, chain saws, floor
buffers, rug cleaners, and garden tillers.
If you own any equipment others can borrow or rent from
you, let them know what is available.
Before discarding old tools, camera equipment, or other
goods, ask friends, relatives, neighbors, or nonprofit
groups if they can use them.
Share newspapers and magazines with others. You'll
save money and have less wastepaper to dispose of.
27
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28
Buy, sell, and donate used and
secondary goods such as clothes,
furniture, and appliances.
Peanut butter jars aren't the only products that have more
than one life. Instead of discarding your unwanted
appliances, tools, or clothes, try selling or donating
them. You can also extend the lives of products by pur-
chasing used and "irregular" items. Such products are
often less expensive than new or "first-quality"
goods, and buying them will keep them from
being thrown away by retailers and
manufacturers.
Donate or resell items to thrift stores or
other organizations in need. Donors
sometimes receive tax deductions or even
cash.
Buy and sell secondhand items at fairs,
bazaars, swap meets, and garage sales
if they will do the job just as well as
newly manufactured goods.
Hand-me-down clothes can be
given not only to other family
members, but to neighboring
families or the needy. Shop for
used clothing at thrift or
consignment stores. The
condition of recycled clothing
in these stores is carefully
monitored. Clothes must be
laundered, and cannot have tears
or stains. Some stores even have their
own laundering facilities.
Encourage area merchants to donate
damaged goods or food items that are still
usable or edible, but may have expired "sell by"
dates, to local charitable organizations, such as
food banks, shelters, and groups that care for the
needy.
-------
Make your preferences known
to merchants, politicians, and
community leaders.
You have the power to influence others and help x
create the type of world you want to live in. Inform busiT
nesses and decision-makers about critical solid waste
issues and inspire them to implement and promote
source reduction measures.
Let stores and manufacturers know how you feel
about unnecessary packaging.
Ask companies hard questions about their
products or operations. Write to company
executives and tell them what you like or don't
like about their policies. If you stop buying a
product because it results in too much waste or
poses a waste disposal problem, write to that
company explaining why.
Write to consumer magazines asking for coverage of
the environmental impact of products.
Encourage your community to set up yard waste composting
programs, curbside recycling, or drop-off points for recyclables.
Urge schools to provide environmental education by teaching source
reduction and recycling.
Encourage your workplace or company to be less wasteful, to use recycled
and recyclable materials, and to perform double-sided copying.
Let local government officials and business leaders know you need waste
receptacles for separated garbage (especially if you live in an urban area).
Write to your government representatives stating your opinions on
environmental issues or legislation. Vote for candidates who share your desire
for a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment, and tell them why you voted
for them.
Your community needs access to adequate and safe solid waste facilities such
as recycling centers, combustors, and landfills. Support an environmentally
sound waste program in your community that starts with source reduction.
29
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Be creative
look for opportunities to
practice source reduction!
The next time you lug out your trash, think
of how you and your family can reduce the
amount of garbage you generate. Can any-
thing be reused or recycled? Did you even
need to buy certain items in the first place?
Could you have selected products with
less packaging? Are less toxic alternatives
available? Also think of how businesses
and manufacturers can reduce the
amount of waste associated with the
products you buy. Let them know your
ideas. Here are just a few suggestions:
-------
Turn a giant cardboard box into a child's
playhouse.
Transform a plastic ice cream tub into a flower pot or a bucket
for toys.
Give your pet hamster or gerbil leftover paper towel and toilet paper
cardboard tubes to play with.
Turn used tires into children's swings or other playground equipment.
Combine source reduction techniques. For example, when you accumulate
more coffee cans than you or your friends need, store coffee bought in bulk
in the empty containers.
Now it's your turn. The next time you're about to put something in the trash or
are faced with a consumer buying decision, stop a minute. What else can you do
to alleviate the solid waste dilemma? Besides incorporating these dozen-plus-one-
tips into your lifestyle, look around your house and remember the dancing jars....
REDUCE
REUSE
RECYCLE RESPOND
31
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Success with Source Reduction
Dozens of small towns, as well as big cities and whole states, are implementing
innovative source reduction programs. Through consumer education campaigns,
school curricula, tax incentives, and other legislative, financial, and educational
measures, these communities are setting the pace for new ways to reduce solid
waste.
Champaign-Urbana - A Model City.
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, is quickly becoming a model source reduction
city. Developed by the Central States Education Center (CSEC), a nonprofit
group, the Champaign-Urbana program has set up a "model" waste hauler, news-
paper, and school, as well as several supermarkets and copy shops. These model
facilities operate as examples to show other small communities how they, too, can
reduce the amount of solid waste they generate.
A model waste hauler provides discounts to customers who produce only one
can of trash per week. In the city's model school, recycling bins are placed in
classrooms, and the cafeteria uses durable, washable tableware. A model super-
market has implemented a shelf-labeling program to highlight products with
least-waste and recyclable packaging and those that do not contain harmful chem-
icals. As a result of these model facilities, most Champaign-Urbana waste now gets
routed to the community recycling center, rather than the landfill. Plans are
underway to recruit volunteer model bars and restaurants, offices, a church, and a
hospital, too.
32
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0
Berkeley - Doing It Right from the Start.
Berkeley, California, is implementing an active citywide campaign to help
consumers make environmentally sound decisions before they buy. Program
designers call it "Precycling," which stresses "demand-side waste management."
Consumers tell manufacturers which products they want and use, and which ones
they leave on the shelf.
Using catchy slogans such as, "do it right from the start," "be picky about pack-
aging," and "overcome overpackaging," the program urges shoppers to think
about what they buy and how products are packaged and ultimately disposed.
Berkeley consumers are also asked to avoid buying goods purposefully manufac-
tured for automatic disposal. An informal status report of the Berkeley Precycle
program indicates that many people favor the concept of taking control of solid
waste management right from the beginning.
Smallest State Is Big on Source Reduction.
By being the first state to pass a mandatory curbside recycling program, Rhode
Island became a maverick in solid waste management. Furthering its commitment
to a cleaner environment, the smallest state also has set up a Source Reduction
Task Force. Made up of representatives from industry, public interest groups, the
state government, and academia, the task force has initiated an aggressive pro-
gram to promote more careful and effective use of materials and products.
The task force has established a product labeling and logo system to inform
shoppers about the environmental impact, durability, reusability, and recyclability
of various products. In the public schools, children in grades four to eight are
learning about source reduction through a specially prepared curriculum. A
public education campaign is waging a war on "disposables" to reduce their con-
sumption.
33
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What have you come up with?
We want to hear about your innovative
ideas on source reduction. Send us a
source reduction tip, and we'll send you a
magnet (while supplies last) that can be
used to stick your shopping list to your
refrigerator and to discern aluminum
cans from bimetal and steel cans (mag-
nets are not attracted to aluminum). Send
your name, address, and tip to Source
Reduction Tip, the RCRA Docket (OS-
305), U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC
20460.
34
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Reusable Vocabulary
Bimetal - Typically refers to beverage containers with steel bodies and aluminum
tops. Steel companies do recycle bimetal cans, but they are handled differently
in the recycling stream than pure aluminum.
Combustion - The controlled burning of municipal solid waste to reduce volume,
and commonly, to produce energy.
Composting - The controlled microbial decomposition of organic matter (such as
food and yard wastes) in the presence of oxygen into a humus- or soil-like
material.
Curbside collection - A method of collecting recyclable materials at individual
homes, community districts, or places of business by municipal or private par-
ties for transfer to a designated collection site or recycling facility.
Demand-side waste management - The process whereby you, through your pur-
chasing decisions, communicate to product manufacturers your desire to buy
environmentally sound products that are packaged with the least amount of
waste, are made from recycled and recyclable materials, and do not contain
hazardous substances.
Drop-off - A method of collecting recyclable materials whereby individuals trans-
port the materials to a designated collection site.
Household hazardous waste - Products containing toxic substances that are used
and disposed of by individual rather than industrial consumers.
Integrated waste management - The complementary use of a variety of waste man-
agement practices to safely and effectively handle municipal solid waste.
Integrated waste management techniques include source reduction, recycling
and combustion and landfilling.
~o
* . . v
^T
* < »r
35
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Landfillmg - The disposal of solid waste in a series of compacted layers on land
and the frequent (daily) covering of the waste with soil. Fill areas are carefully
prepared to prevent nuisances or public health hazards and clay and/or syn-
thetic liners are used to control water drainage.
Municipal solid waste (MSW) - Waste generated in households, commercial estab-
lishments, institutions, and light industries. Industrial process wastes,
agricultural wastes, mining wastes, and sewage sludge are not MSW.
Recycling - The process by which materials are collected and used as raw materials
for new products. There are five steps in recycling: collecting components of
MSW, separating waste materials by type (before or after collection), process-
ing them into reusable forms, marketing the "new" products, and purchasing
and using the goods made with reprocessed materials.
Reuse - The use of a product more than once in its same form for the same pur-
pose or for different purposes, such as reusing a soft-drink bottle when it is
returned to the bottling company for refilling or reusing a peanut butter jar as
a container for leftover food.
Solid waste - According to the Recource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA),
garbage; refuse; sludge from a waste treatment plant, water supply treatment
plant, or air pollution control facility; and other discarded materials, including
solid, liquid, or contained gaseous material resulting from industrial, commer-
cial, mining, and agricultural operations, and from community activities.
Source separation - Separating waste materials such as paper, metal, and glass by
type at the point of discard so that they can be recycled.
Source reduction - The design, manufacture, purchase, or use of materials or prod-
ucts (including packages) to reduce their amount or toxicity before they enter
the municipal solid waste stream.
Virgin materials - Resources extracted from nature in their raw form, such as tim-
ber or metal ore.
Yard waste - The component of solid waste composed of grass clippings, leaves,
and garden refuse.
V:
*:
36
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EPA Resources
The following EPA publications are available at no charge through the
Agency's RCRA Hotline. Call 1-800-424-9346 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to
7:30 p.m. EST. For the hearing impaired, the number is TTD (800) 553-7672, and
in Washington, D.C., call (202) 382-3000 or TDD (202) 382-9652.
Bibliography of Municipal Solid Waste Management Alternatives (EPA/530-SW-89-055).
A listing of approximately 200 publications available from industry, govern-
ment, and environmental groups.
Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1990 Update (EPA/530-
SW-90-042A). The summary of the latest in a series of reports characterizing
the nation's municipal solid waste stream.
Characterization of Products Containing Lead and Cadmium in Municipal Solid Waste in
the United States, 1970 to 2000 (EPA/530-SW-89-015C). The summary of a
report characterizing the products that contribute to the lead and cadmium
found in municipal solid waste.
Decision-Maker's Guide to Municipal Solid Waste Management (EPA/530-SW-89-072). A
guide book to help policy makers understand and evaluate their current waste
management problems and formulate possible solutions.
Methods to Manage and Control Plastic Wastes - Executive Summary (EPA/530-SW-89-
051 A). The summary of a report examining many issues related to plastics,
including reduction, recycling, degradability, and damage to marine life.
Plastics Fact Sheets
A series of five fact sheets about plastics:
Plastics: TheFacts about Production, Use, and Disposal (EPA/530-SW-90-017A). A
fact sheet reviewing major uses of plastic and impacts of disposal.
TheFacts about Plastics in the Marine Environment (EPA/530-SW-90-017B). Afact
sheet summarizing the main sources and impact of plastic found in the
ocean.
Plastics: TheFacts on Source Reduction (EPA/530-SW-90-017C). Afact sheet
describing the possibilities for source reduction of different types of plastic
products.
TheFacts on Degradable Plastics (EPA/530-SW-90-017D). A fact sheet outlining
the information currently available on degradable plastics, their uses, and
impact on humans and the environment.
TheFacts on Recycling Plastics (EPA/530-SW-90-017E). A fact sheet summarizing
the opportunities available for plastic recycling, and the current state of plas-
tic recycling technology.
Recycling (EPA/530-SW-88-050). A concise citizen's brochure on recycling and its
role in solid waste management.
37
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Recycle Today!
A series of five publications aimed at educators and students:
Recycle Today! An Educational Program far Grades K-12 (EPA/530-SW-90-025). A
concise pamphlet explaining the goals and objectives of EPA's educational
recycling program and the four resources listed below.
Let's Reduce and Recycle!: A Curriculum for Solid Waste Awareness (EPA/530-SW-
90-005). A booklet of lessons and activities to teach students in grades K-12
about solid waste generation and management. It teaches a variety of skills
including science, vocabulary, mathematics, and creative writing.
School Recycling Programs: A Handbook for Educators (EPA/530-SW-90-023). A
handy manual with step-by-step instructions on how to set up a school recy-
cling program.
Adventures of the Garbage Gremlin: Recycle and Combat a Life of Grime (EPA/530-
SW-90-024). A comic book introducing students in grades 4-7 to the benefits
of recycling.
Ride the Wave of the Future: Recycle Today! (EPA/530-SW-90-010). A colorful
poster designed to appeal to all grade levels that can be displayed in conjunc-
tion with recycling activities or used to help foster recycling.
Recycling Works! (EPA/530-SW-89-014). A booklet describing 14 successful state
and local recycling programs in the United States.
Reusable News. A periodic newsletter covering a diverse array of articles related to
municipal solid waste management, including source reduction and recycling.
Used Oil Recycling Publications
A series of three brochures and a manual on ways to recycle used oil:
How to Set Up a Local Used Oil Recycling Program (EPA/530-SW-89-039A). An
easy-to-follow manual for local decision-makers, environmental groups, and
community organizations.
Recycling Used Oil: What Can You Do? (EPA/530-SW-89-039B). How the general
public can participate in used oil recycling.
Recycling Used Oil: 10 Steps to Change Your Oil (EPA/530-SW-89-039C). How
citizens can change their car oil.
Recycling Used Oil: For Service Stations and Other Vehicle-Service Facilities
(EPA/530-SW-89-039D). How service station owners can play a key role in
facilitating used oil recycling.
«*»
»
tl
38
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Bibliography
This bibliography provides a listing of resources and organizations used to
develop this booklet, which may also be of use to you. It is not, however, a compre-
hensive list of all available information on source reduction. The listing of
publications, products, or organizations does not constitute endorsement or
approval for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
General Information
Beck, M. et al. 1989. Buried alive. Newsweek, November 27, 66-76.
Council of Northeast Governors (CONEG). 1989. Final report of the source reduction
task force. Washington, DC: CONEG.
Earthworm, Inc. 1986-1989. Earthworm News. Various issues. 186 South Street,
Boston, MA 02111.
Endangered earth update. 1989. Time, December 18, 60-71.
Marinelli,J. 1989. Garbage at the grocery. Garbage, September/October, 34-39.
Peterson, C. 1989. What does waste reduction wean? Waste Age, January, 65-68.
1989. A waste reduction boom in the seventies! Waste Age, February, 100-106.
1989. A look at current waste reduction. Waste Age, March, 112-118.
Rathje, W. 1989. Rubbish! The Atlantic, December, 99-109.
Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corporation and Ocean State Cleanup
and Recycling. 1987. Source reduction task force report. Providence, RI: Rhode
Island Department of Environmental Management.
Robinson, D. 1989. One person's opinion: recycling in the inner city. Resource
Recycling, January/February, 40-41.
Solid Waste Alternatives Project. 1989. Solid waste fact pact, source reduction.
Washington, DC: Environmental Action Foundation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1989. EPA Journal, March/April.
39
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Source Reduction Tips
Community Composting Education Program. Home composting. Seattle, WA: Seattle
Engineering Department, Solid Waste Utility and Seattle Tilth Association.
Coop America. Living green: 101 green things you can do (brochure). Washington,
DC: Coop America.
Council on Economic Priorities. 1989. Actions that will make a difference. New York,
NY: Council on Economic Priorities.
Dadd, D. L. 1984. Nontoxic and natural. Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc.
1986. The nontoxic home. Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc.
Gladrags: recycled clothing. 1989/1990. One Person's Impact, December/January.
Westborough, MA.
Greenpeace. 1986. Stepping lightly on the earth: everyone's guide to toxics in the home.
Washington, DC: Greenpeace Toxics: Fall.
Harbaugh, L. 1989. The first annual packaging awards and booby prizes from an envi-
ronmental point of view. Washington Citizens for Recycling, October.
Indoor composting. One Person's Impact. P.O. Box 751, Westborough, MA, 01581.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and NJ Board of Public
Utilities. A citizen's guide to reducing solid waste (brochure). Trenton, NJ: NJDEP.
Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc. (PRC). Become an environmental shopper
(brochure). Media, PA: PRC.
1989. Environmental shopping update. Media, PA: PRC. August.
Read, .K. 1989. Packaging today...solid waste tomorrow. Boston Co-op News June.
40
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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Compost (brochure).
Providence, RI.
Municipal leaf and yard waste composting (flyer). Providence, RI.
Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Corp. Don't let your dollars go to waste.
(poster). Providence, RI.
Seventh Generation. 1989. 110 things you can do for a healthy environment (booklet).
Burlington, VT.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You can help (brochure). Philadelphia, PA:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region III. Center for Environmental
Learning.
Will, R, et al. 1989. Shopping for a better world. New York: Council on Economic
Priorities.
Success Stories
Citizens for a Better Environment. 1989. A model of efficiency. Environmental
Review. Winter.
Environmental Action Foundation. 1989. Berkeley, California, doing it right from the
start. Wastelines, Summer.
1989. Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, towards a model community. Wastelines,
Summer.
Model community (brochure). Champaign, IL: Central States Education Center.
Catalogues
Co-op America Order Service. 10 Farrell St. South Burlington, VT 05403. (800)
658-5507. Reusable, recyclable, and nontoxic products (and other items.)
EarthCare Paper, Inc. Recycled paper catalogue. P.O. Box 3335. Madison, WI
53704. (608) 256-5522.
EastWest Health Books. P.O. Box 1200. Brookline, MA02147. (800) 876-10001.
Books related to the nontoxic home.
Livos PlantChemistry. Nontoxic home products. 1365 Rufina Circle. Santa Fe, NM
87501. (505) 438-3448.
Seventh Generation. Products for a healthy planet. 10 Farrell St. So. Burlington,
VT 05403. (800) 456-1177.
Solstice General Store. 201 East Main St., Suite H. Charlottesville, VA 22901. (800)
979-0189. Nontoxic household products (and other items).
41
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EPA Regional Offices
Region 1
U.S. EPA - Region 1
J.F.K. Federal Building
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565-3715
Region 2
U.S. EPA - Region 2
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
(212) 264-2657
Region 3
U.S. EPA-Region 3
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 597-9800
Region 4
U.S. EPA-Region 4
345 Courtland Street, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30365
(404) 347-4727
Region 5
U.S. EPA - Region 5
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 353-2000
Region 6
U.S. EPA - Region 6
First Interstate Bank Tower
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX 75270-2733
(214) 655-6444
Region 7
U.S. EPA - Region 7
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7000
Region 8
U.S. EPA-Region 8
Denver Place (811WM-RI)
999 18th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2405
(303) 293-1603
Region 9
U.S. EPA-Region 9
1235 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 556-6322
Region 10
U.S. EPA-Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, WA 9810
(206) 442-1200
42
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State Environmental Agencies
Alabama
Department of Environmental
Management
Solid Waste Division
1751 Congressman Wm. Dickinson
Drive
Montgomery, AL 36109
205-271-7700
Alaska
Department of Environmental
Conservation
Solid Waste Program
P.O. Box O
Juneau, AK 99801
907-465-2666
Arizona
Energy Office
1700 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85017
602-542-3633
Arkansas
Department of Pollution Control
and Ecology
Solid Waste Division
8001 National Drive
Little Rock, AR 72204
501-562-7444
California
Recycling Division
Department of Conservation
1025 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-323-3743
800-642-5669
Colorado
Department of Health
4210E. llth Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
303-331-4830
Connecticut
Recycling Program
Department of Environmental
Protection
165 Capital Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
203-566-5847
Delaware
Department of Natural Resources
and Environmental Control
89 Kings Highway
P.O. Box 89
Dover, DE 19903
302-736-4794
District of Columbia
Department of Public Works
Office of Policy and Planning
2000 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-939-8115
Florida
Department of Environmental
Regulation
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32301
904-488-0300
Georgia
Department of Natural Resources
205 Butler St., SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-2833
Hawaii
EPHS
Department of Health
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801
808-548-6410
Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare
State House
Boise, ID 83720
208-334-5879
Illinois
Dept. of Energy and Natural
Resources
325 West Adams
Springfield, IL 62704
217-524-5454
Indiana
Department of Environmental
Management
105 S. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-232-8883
Iowa
Department of Natural Resources
Waste Management Division
900 E. Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-281-8176
Kansas
Solid Waste Management Section
Department of Health and
Environment
Forbes Field
Topeka, KS 66620
913-296-1594
Kentucky
Department of Environmental
Protection
Cabinet for Natural Resources and
Environmental Protection
Fort Boone Plaza, Bldg. #2
18 Riley Road
Frankfurt, KY 40601
502-564-6716
Louisiana
Solid Waste Division
Department of Environmental
Quality
P.O. Box 44307
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
504-342-1216
Maine
Waste Recycling and Reduction
Department of Economic and
Community Development
State House Station #130
Augusta, ME 04333
207-289-6800
Maryland
Department of the Environment
201 W. Preston Street, Room 212
Baltimore, MD 21201
301-225-5647
Massachusetts
Division of Solid Waste
Management
Dept. of Environmental Protection
1 Winter St., 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
617-292-5589
Michigan
Recycling and Recovery Unit
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30038
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-2730
Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road, North
St. Paul, MN 55155
612-296-7282
Mississippi
Pollution Control Bureau
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 10385
Jackson, MS 39209
601-961-5047
43
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Missouri
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102
314-751-1492
Montana
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bureau
Department of Health and
Environmental Sciences
Cogswell Building, Room B201
Helena, MT 59620
406-444-2821
Nebraska
Department of Environmental
Control
P.O. Box 94877
Lincoln, NE 68509-8922
402-471-2186
Nevada
Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources
Capital Complex
201 South Fall Street
Carson City, NV 89710
702-687-4670
New Hampshire
Department of Environmental
Services
6 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
603-271-4662
New Jersey
Department of Environmental
Protection.
401 E. State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-0331
New Mexico
Health and Environment
Department
P.O. Box 968
Santa Fe, NM 87504
505-457-2780
New York
Bureau of Waste Reduction and
Recycling
Department of Environmental
Conservation
50 Wolf Road, Room 2019
Albany, NY 12233
518-457-6603
North Carolina
Solid Waste Management Branch
Department of Human Resources
P.O. Box 2091
Raleigh, NC 27602-2091
919-733-2178
North Dakota
Division of Waste Management
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Avenue, Room 302
Box 5520
Bismarck, ND 58502-5520
701-224-2366
Ohio
Division of Solid & Hazardous Waste
Management
Ohio Environmental Protection
Agency
1800 Watermark Dr.
Columbus, OH 43266-0149
614-466-7220
Oklahoma
Solid Waste Division
Department of Health
1000N.E. 10th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
405-271-5338
Oregon
Department of Environmental
Quality
811 S.W. 6th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-229-5356
Pennsylvania
Bureau of Waste Management
Department of Environmental
Resources
P.O. Box 2063
Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-787-9870
Rhode Island
Department of Environmental
Management
204 Cannon Building
75 Davis Street
Providence, RI 02908
401-277-2797
South Carolina
Department of Health and
Environmental Control
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-758-5681
South Dakota
Dept. of Water and Natural
Resources
Foss Building, Room 416
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3153
Tennessee
Department of Public Health
Division of Solid Waste-
Management
Customs House, 4th Floor
701 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37219-5403
615-741-3424
Texas
Division of Solid Waste
Management
Department of Health
1100 W. 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3199
512-458-7271
Utah
Bureau of Solid and Hazardous
Waste
Department of Environmental
Health
288 N. 1460 West Street
P.O. Box 16700
Salt Lake City, UT 84116-0690
801-533-4145
Vermont
Department of Natural Resources
103 S. Main Street, West Building
Walerbury, VT 05676
802-244-8702
Virginia
Department of Waste Management
Monroe Building, llth Floor
101 N. 14th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-225-2667
Washington
Office of Waste Reduction
Department of Ecology
Mail Stop PV-11
Olympia, WA 95804-8711
1-800-Recycle
206-459-6316
West Virginia
Department of Natural Resources
1260 Greenbriar Street
Charleston, WV 25311
304-348-5935
Wisconsin
Bureau of Solid Waste Management
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
608-266-1327
Wyoming
Solid Waste Management Program
Department of Environmental
Quality
Herschler Building
122 W. 25th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
307-777-7752
44
fr U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1990 - 281-724 - 814/28451
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