Buy items stored in reusable containers

Guess who has the most expensive house in the world, according to Forbes Magazine?

Mukesh Ambani, the head of petrochemicals giant Reliance Industries.

There are more than 4,000 petrochemical products that are made from petroleum (crude oil). Remember that the next time you buy a gallon of milk or bottled water. Maybe this information will encourage people to buy items packaged in reusable containers, in other words, to precycle.

Wikipedia defines precycling as the practice of reducing waste by attempting to avoid bringing into the home or business items which will generate waste. As recycling requires large amounts of energy to "melt down" and then re-manufacture items, it also sends large amounts of pollution into the air. While it may cut down on the amount of trash that is going into landfills, it is not a sustainable answer to the problem of waste.

One way to participate in precycling is to carry a "precycling kit" with you when you are out. Include a Tupperware or non-disposable container, silverware set, a cloth napkin or handkerchief and a thermos or water bottle within a cloth bag that can double as a grocery/shopping bag.

Happy precycling,

Cathy Truesdale

Wheaton