We struggle to sort out what to do with the increasing and steady stream of waste we produce on a daily basis. Single-use plastics proliferate in every aspect of our lives, the vast majority of which goes to your local landfill. Sometimes, we don’t even think about what we buy and throw away. But we should. Follow some of the following guidelines to reduce the effect your waste has on the environment.

Waste Challenges

What We Buy (or Acquire for Free)

BUY FROM ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE companies

-10 points-

Daily Action

think twice before buying something new

-10 points-

Daily Action

only buy or cook as much food as you will eat

-10 points-

One-time Action

avoid single-use plastic bags

-10 points-

Daily Action

avoid buying products in single-use plastic

-10 points-

Daily Action

How We Dispose of Things 

reuse or repair something you normally would dispose of

-10 points-

Daily Action

recycle  at winnetka public works

-25 points-

One-time Action

give away boxes and packing materials

-25 points-

One-time Action

compost food waste

-10 points-

Daily Action

give away items you no longer need

-10 points-

Daily Action

practice zero waste living for a day

-10 points-

Daily Action

Outside

use the mulch setting on your lawnmower

-10 points-

Daily Action

don’t litter outside, including cigarette butts

-10 points-

Daily Action