Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The most effective way to help lower waste production and the amount of trash being thrown away is to try not to create it. Making new products requires harvesting new raw materials and the production and transportation of these items emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change. For these reasons, reducing and reusing are some of the most effective ways to help preserve natural resources and help the environment. 

The town of Danvers offers tools to help residents reduce and reuse. Follow some of the tips below to help minimize waste and promote trash reduction. 

the 5 Rs

The benefits of reducing and reusing:

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. 
  • Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials.
    Saves energy.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change.
  • Helps sustain the environment for future generations.
  • Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators.
  • Allows products to be used to their fullest extent.
  • Saves money.

(Source: EPA Reducing and Reusing Basics) 

What can you do to reduce and reuse? 

  • Thank Green Before you Shop! Before buying, first, think about if you really need it and how green it is. Is it something that you could buy used or borrow? The Peabody Institute Library offers a Library of Things offering Danvers residents the option to borrow instead of buy. 
  • Reduce your food waste: limit the amount of food being thrown in the trash by only buying what you need, composting food scraps, and donating unused food. 
  • Reuse and repurpose items (example: turn old t-shirts into cleaning rags)
  • Buy used items and donate items for others to use. This helps limit the amount of new material and products needed.

What does Danvers Offer? 


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