3 R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)

REDUCE

The best way to manage waste is to not produce it. This can be done by shopping carefully and being aware of a few guidelines:

* Buy products in bulk. Larger, economy-size products or ones in concentrated form use less packaging and usually cost less per ounce.
* Avoid over-packaged goods, especially ones packed with several materials such as foil, paper, and plastic. They are difficult to recycle, plus you pay more for the package.
* Avoid disposable goods, such as paper plates, cups, napkins, razors, and lighters. Throwaways contribute to the problem, and cost more because they must be replaced again and again.
* Buy durable goods - ones that are well-built or that carry good warranties. They will last longer, save money in the long run and save landfill space.
* At work, make two-sided copies when ever possible.
* Maintain central files rather than using several files for individuals.
* Use electronic mail or main bulletin board.
* Remove your name from the mailing lists of materials you no longer want to receive.
* Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.
* Use a dish cloth instead of paper towels.

REUSE
It makes economic and environmental sense to reuse products. Sometimes it takes creativity:

* Reuse products for the same purpose. Save paper and plastic bags, and repair broken appliances, furniture and toys.
* Reuse products in different ways. Use a coffee can to pack a lunch; use plastic microwave dinner trays as picnic dishes.
* Sell old clothes, appliances, toys, and furniture in garage sales or ads, or donate them to charities.
* Use resealable containers rather than plastic wrap.
* Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of paper cups.
* Reuse grocery bags or bring your own cloth bags to the store. Do not take a bag from the store unless you need one.

RECYCLE
Recycling is a series of steps that takes a used material and processes, remanufactures, and sells it as a new product. Begin recycling at home and at work:

* Buy products made from recycled material. Look for the recycling symbol or ask store managers or salesmen. The recycling symbol means one of two things - either the product is made of recycled material, or the item can be recycled. For instance, many plastic containers have a recycling symbol with a numbered code the identifies what type of plastic resin it is made from. However, just because the container has this code does not mean it can be easily recycled locally.
* Check collection centers and curbside pickup services to see what they accept, and begin collecting those materials. These can include metal cans, newspapers, paper products, glass, plastics and oil.
* Consider purchasing recycled materials at work when purchasing material for office supply, office equipment or manufacturing.
* Speak to store managers and ask for products and packaging that help cut down on waste, such as recycled products and products that are not over packaged.
* Buy products made from material that is collected for recycling in your community.
* Use recycled paper for letterhead, copier paper and newsletters.

Source: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/swmp/pubs-reports/threers.htm