The best way to help the environment is to reduce the amount of waste you create!

Here are some ideas and links to help you become a better friend to the environment.

Here at UMD

• Use less office paper when it is ever possible.
• Use both sides of the paper when printing or making copies.
• Have students pass back bulky handouts after use and then reuse them next semester.
• Make sure everyone in your department understands how to use the copier so less paper is wasted on mistakes.
• Communicate via e-mail when ever possible.
• Post department wide memos instead of sending one to everybody.
• Use recycled post consumer materials.
• Order a set number of catalogs for your department instead of one for everyone.
• Meet with others in your department to brainstorm ideas specific to your situation.
• Encourage everyone to be more aware of recycling.

At the home

• Buy products with less packaging like concentrates.
• Read newspapers online instead of getting a daily delivery.
• Reuse scraps of paper for writing reminders or notes.
• Have a marker board handy to write down messages.
• Talk to your family to encourage everyone about recycling.
• Also, don't forget about recycling and reduction when on vacation!

Junk Mail

Almost everyone in this country will receive about 560 pieces of junk mail this year. That's 4.5 billion tons of junk mail produced each year. To find out more information on how you can help reduce these numbers, go to the following web sites.

• www.ecofuture.org
  
  The federal Trade Commission also offers a phone number the enables you to "opt out" of having pre-approved credit offers sent to you for 2 years.
  
  Simply call 1-888-5-OPTOUT for more information.

Links

Here are some more links where you can find information on reducing waste.

• www.nwf.org
• www.moea.state.mn.us
• www.wlssd.com