Being careful about what you buy, consume, and throw away may not seem all that exciting even for the most committed environmental steward. But efficient daily practices and a little old fashioned common sense are good for the environment and your bottom line.

Use this checklist to see how many waste management and recycling practices you’ve implemented. Then make a plan of action to expand your efforts.

• Make waste reduction a priority in your home.
• Evaluate the waste you generate to identify and reduce your greatest sources of waste.
• Measure the volume or weight of the garbage you generate and set measurable reduction targets.
• Reject wasteful consumption by carefully considering what you need and buying products that last.
• Purchase products with minimal packaging or packaging that can be recycled, or buy in bulk.
• Use cloth napkins, cloth lunch bags, sponges/dish rags, reusable plates, and reusable coffee filters instead of paper alternatives.
• Repair or donate older or unwanted equipment and household goods to the KGC Fair or local charitable groups, rather than dispose of them.
• Purchase durable furniture and equipment or products made of recycled material to reduce waste from inferior products.
• Purchase recycled paper products, such as office paper, bathroom tissue, etc.
• Ues the dumpster for recyclable paper, glass, cardboard, tin, and plastic.
• Put aluminum cans in the proper container and other aluminium in the 8 acres bulk disposal area.
• Compost outdoor wastes such as grass clippings, leaves, and kitchen waste (no meat or onions).