North Carolina's Solid Waste Management Act established a hierarchy for preferred solid waste management and places source reduction at the top of the list. Source Reduction is "a reduction in the amount and/or toxicity of waste entering the waste stream." Source reduction uses fewer natural resources and energy and can reduce the disposal burden on local governments and businesses. Essentially, the term source reduction means waste prevention.

Benefits of Source Reduction

Saves money. Conserves natural resources. Decreases toxicity of materials in waste stream.

Prolongs landfill life. Prevents or reduces solid and hazardous waste along with air and/or water pollution.

Residential Source Reduction

Residential source reduction can have a substantial impact on both household and community waste streams. Greensboro, N.C., conducted an intensive pilot source reduction education program in 1993. The City challenged each home to reduce the waste generated by five pounds per week. Through a newsletter, public meetings, and small group meetings in the homes of participants, the study group was able to reduce the amount of solid generated by each home over 10 pounds each week!

Grasscycling

One way to reduce yard trimmings involves the natural decomposition of lawn clippings that remain on the lawn after mowing. Grasscycling is recommended for established lawns.

Vermicomposting

Composting food waste at home does not necessarily require a large yard. Many residents who do not have access to a yard practice vermicomposting, a process in which red worms are used to decompose yard trimmings and food waste into a dark humus material. The worms are housed in a container and can be kept indoors or outdoors. This process requires little maintenance and is odor-free and convenient. For more information on vermicomposting, contact the Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance or Rhonda Sherman, Cooperative Extension Service, at (919) 515-6770.

Composting

Yard trimmings and food waste comprise a large part of the residential waste stream. In January 1993, yard waste was banned from disposal in landfills in North Carolina. Residents can either participate in a local government program that collects yard clippings (collection of trimmings is not source reduction) or start back yard composting.

Basically, backyard composting requires nothing more than collecting the yard trimmings and allowing them to decompose naturally. Specific "recipes" are available that will decrease decomposition time and produce a high-quality soil amendment. In addition to yard trimmings, composting may include food waste such as fruits and vegetables. Food scraps should be covered with yard trimmings or soil.

Commercially available composting bins can be purchased by mail order or in most stores that sell lawn and garden supplies, or residents may build their own composting bin. While a commercial composting bin is not necessary to make compost, it can serve as a constant reminder and helps beginners get started; many citizens like the aesthetic qualities of the bins.

Fifty-one counties in North Carolina have compost demonstration sites where residents can learn about backyard composting. For more detailed information about backyard composting, contact the local recycling coordinator, the Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H Clubs, garden clubs and environmental groups, or the Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance.

Consumer Shopping and Source Reduction

"Enviroshopping" requires that consumers accept the responsibility for purchasing products and packaging that generate less waste and are less toxic. Consumers should select products for their durability and reusability. Enviroshoppers should (1) determine if the product is really needed or if there are alternatives to purchasing a new product such as renting or borrowing or purchasing the item from a reuse shop; (2) investigate items around the house that could be substituted or made into the new product; and (3) purchase only the items needed; for example, to avoid storing food that may spoil, paint that may need to be discarded, or household and lawn chemicals that may have a short shelf life.

Toxicity Reduction in the Home

Households can reduce toxicity by reducing the use of hazardous products. Suggestions for reducing household hazardous materials and selecting less toxic products include (1) instead of pesticides, use beneficial insects, companion planting in the garden, and hand-picking to ward off certain pests, (2) use water-based paint instead of oil-based paint to eliminate the need for paint cleaners; (3) assure proper dilution of condensed cleaners, (4) substitute baking soda and vinegar for many household cleaners or use multi-purpose cleaners rather than a specific cleaner for a specific job; and (5) "use it up" before it expires.

Communities and Source Reduction

Communities can encourage source reduction at home through a variety of approaches: education and promotion programs; booklets, newsletters and brochures; waste audits; awards programs; workshops; grants; and task forces. Residential source reduction education programs are less expensive than recycling and disposal programs and could yield significant benefits. Communities can also establish a paint exchange program, establish reuse "swap" centers at staffed convenience centers, "partner" with a local store to promote enviroshopping, and offer junk mail terminator kits to residents. (Note: Junk-mail terminator kits are available from the Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance.)

Easy Source Reduction Practices at Home

Below are even more examples for source reduction at home that are easy to do. Residents should be encouraged to pick a few activities to start.

Practice water and energy conservation. Eliminate disposables! Use washable dishware at home and on outings, refillable razors, and cloth napkins and handkerchiefs. Wrap presents in old maps, the comics, a paper bag that has been decorated, or even a beach towel! Share magazines with friends and community facilities such as day-care centers and retirement homes. Purchase items that have the least amount of packaging; do not use unnecessary bags for items such as apples, potatoes and oranges; and bring your own canvas bag to the grocery store. Start a garden to get fresh food from the backyard instead of packaged food from a store.

For more in-depth information about source reduction, the Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, along with the North Carolina Recycling Association, Mecklenburg County, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Randolph County, and SunShares, present an annual workshop specifically on source reduction. Commercial and residential source reduction each comprise one day of this workshop. For additional information, contact DPPEA at 800-763-0136.