Reducing waste at home doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming. Small, simple changes can make a big impact over time, helping you cut down on what goes to the landfill while also saving money. If you’re looking for ways to be more eco-friendly this year, here are some of Mr. Clean Can’s easy and practical ways to reduce waste in your home.

1. Be Mindful of Food Waste

One of the biggest sources of household waste is food. To cut down on waste:

• Plan meals ahead of time to avoid buying more than you need.
• Store food properly to extend its freshness.
• Get creative with leftovers instead of throwing them out.
• Compost food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels to keep them out of the trash.

2. Use Reusable Products

Swapping out disposable items for reusable ones is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste. Consider switching to:

• Reusable grocery bags instead of plastic ones.
• Cloth napkins and towels instead of paper products.
• A refillable water bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles.
• Glass or stainless steel food containers instead of plastic wrap or disposable bags.

3. Cut Down on Packaging Waste

Many products come with excessive packaging that ends up in the trash. To reduce packaging waste:

• Buy in bulk when possible to cut down on extra plastic and cardboard.
• Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
• Bring your own containers for refilling at bulk stores.

4. Recycle the Right Way

Recycling is great, but it’s important to do it correctly. Check your local recycling guidelines to ensure you’re sorting materials properly. Some common recyclable items include:

• Paper and cardboard
• Glass bottles and jars
• Plastic containers (look for recycling symbols)
• Aluminum cans

Avoid putting non-recyclable items in the bin in hopes they will be recycled. This can actually do more harm than good by contaminating the recycling stream.

5. Repair Instead of Replace

Before tossing out broken items, see if they can be fixed. Whether it’s a torn shirt, a wobbly chair, or an old appliance, a quick repair can give things a second life and prevent unnecessary waste.

6. Donate or Repurpose Items

If you have things you no longer need, consider donating them to a local charity instead of throwing them away. Clothing, furniture, toys, and household goods can often be used by someone else. You can also get creative by repurposing items—turn old jars into storage containers or worn-out t-shirts into cleaning rags.

7. Reduce Paper Waste

Cutting back on paper waste is easier than ever. Here are a few ways to do it:

• Switch to digital billing and statements.
• Use a reusable notebook or whiteboard for notes and lists.
• Cancel junk mail and unwanted subscriptions.

8. Be Conscious About What You Buy

One of the best ways to reduce waste is to be mindful of what you bring into your home. Before making a purchase, ask yourself:

• Do I really need this?
• Is there a more sustainable option?
• Can I borrow or rent it instead of buying?

Making thoughtful choices can help cut down on waste in the long run.

By making a few simple changes, you can create a more eco-friendly lifestyle while also saving money and resources. Start small, be consistent, and before you know it, you’ll be making a big difference in keeping waste out of the landfill!

Want an easy way to keep your home even cleaner? Clean Cans offers professional trash can cleaning services to eliminate odors, bacteria, and grime from your bins.