Education

Don’t Let Good Food Go Bad!

One of the best ways to reduce waste is to prevent it before it starts. Food waste is a great place to begin. When food goes uneaten, we waste not only the food itself, but also the water, energy, resources, and money that went into producing and bringing it to our table. In Oregon, spoiled food costs the average household more than $2,900 each year. Small changes, like planning meals, storing food properly, freezing items before they spoil, and using leftovers, can make a big difference. Check out the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Don’t Let Good Food Go Bad! campaign for simple tips to save food, save money, and prevent waste.

Give Items a Second Life

Before buying something new or throwing something away, consider whether it can be reused. Shopping at thrift stores, buying used or refurbished items, borrowing from friends or neighbors, repairing what you already own, and donating items you no longer need are all great ways to keep useful products in circulation and reduce waste. When shopping for clothing, look for quality pieces that are made to last, take care of them properly, and wear them for as long as possible. When you’re ready to move on from an item, consider donating or selling it so someone else can give it a second life. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Make Every Thread Count campaign offers helpful tips for choosing quality clothing, caring for your clothes, and making them last longer.