New Yorkers landfill approximately 5 lbs. of trash per person per day.  Reducing the amount of waste we generate through wise consumption practices, reuse, and repair will save County taxpayers money, generate jobs, reduce Greenhouse gas emissions, as well as preserve resources for future generations. 

According to the US EPA American households threw away 63 million tons of food per year while 1 in 6 may be food insecure ("Feeding America"). To address this growing dilemma, the County launched the Orange County Food Security and Sustainability Initiative (OCFSS), which is a multi-stakeholder working group working to ensure that edible food is directed to people who need it and that food scraps are composted. For news on these efforts, see the following announcement on the launch of OCFSS and on our Root-to-Stalk presentation at the Goshen Farmer's Market.

The below are some links on how we can effectively reduce the amount of trash we generate.

 Prevention – As the old adage states, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of the cure.  Take a minute to prevent waste by checking out the following links:

• Stop Junk Mail, Phonebooks, & Catalogs
• 10 Simple Tips to Reduce Single-Use Plastics in Your Life

Reduction – Americans throw out 40% of the food that they purchase.  Try the following links to help reduce food waste in your home:

• Food: Too Good to Waste Challenge - Measure how much food waste your household generates and steps on how you can reduce food waste and save money using this EPA resource.
• Save the Food - National Resources Defense Council campaign to prevent food waste through meal planning advice and recipes on "root-to-stalk" cooking.
• Cornell Cooperative Extension Canning & Pickling - Learn how to preserve food through canning and pickling.

Reuse - Find out where you can bring (and buy) useful household items at Dirt Magazine's Recyclopedia

Repair- Give your broken items a new life by participating in an upcoming Hudson Valley Repair Cafe event near you.