The average Vermonter in Arlington, Dorset, Manchester, Pownal, Rupert, Sandgate, Shaftsbury, and Sunderland produces about 1,500 lbs of waste per person each year. Reduce your trash by reusing, recycling and composting.

The Postal Service, through automation and active marketing of bulk mail services, is reducing costs to Direct Marketers. As a result, we are all getting more junk mail. Reduce Your Catalogs or Stop the Junk Mail. A recent report by ForestEthics estimates that Junk Mail in the United States has the climate change impact of 9 million cars or the emissions of heating 13 million homes this winter. Find out more about the Do Not Mail Registry.

Make a difference in the way you shop. Reduce packaging by purchasing large, "family size" containers that require less packaging per pound than small, "single serving" packages. In addition to conserving resources, buying in bulk can save money. Food Co-ops often sell food in bulk form (reducing packaging).

You can reduce packaging waste by bringing a home cooked meal and snack to work. Take leftovers for lunch in a reusable container or bring a sandwich or salad to save yourself some money and avoid the packaging waste associated with a fast food lunch. Get a reusable coffee mug instead of using a disposable cup. Stores often offer discounts for people buying coffee with a reusable mug. Bring your own shopping bag. Some stores offer small discounts for not using their plastic or paper bags. Buying durable products will help reduce waste. You may spend a little more to purchase good quality products, but you won't need to replace them as often.

Enjoy grilling and having friends over for cookouts? You might want to consider an alternative to your typical paper plates and plastic utensils. Try biodegradable plates, utensils and other products from Biodegradable Food Service.

The Vermont Business Environmental Partnership (VBEP) is a FREE, voluntary, environmental assistance and business recognition program offered by the Environmental Assistance Office of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Vermont Small Business Development Center. The goals of the Partnership are to promote improved environmental and economic performance and to promote public recognition of environmental excellence.

Waste hauling is a huge expense for a hotel which can be lowered drastically through recycling and avoiding wastefully-packaged products. Make your next stay in a hotel a green one with Green Hotels.

Visit the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources for tips on waste prevention.

Ham's Helpful Hint, "Leading a thoughtful life reducing your waste can bring you health, conserve your wealth, and eliminate methane in stealth."