Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging

When reusable alternatives are not practical, choose products packaged in glass, aluminum, paper, or cardboard over plastic. Buy the largest size available to reduce the packaging-to-product ratio. Check the recycling number — only #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) plastics are widely recycled in most communities.

Why It Works

Glass and aluminum are infinitely recyclable without degrading. Paper and cardboard are compostable. Making conscious packaging choices at the point of purchase reduces plastic entering the waste stream before it becomes a disposal problem.

Tips

• Aluminum cans have a recycling rate of 73% vs. 5-6% for plastic bottles
• Glass jars can be reused for food storage, organization, and home projects
• Buy concentrated cleaning products and dilute at home to reduce packaging
• Some brands (Blueland, Grove Co.) ship tablet-form cleaners in compostable packaging