[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Waste Reduction Strategies” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4063″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”” el_class=”w-100″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-utensils” color=”blue” css=”” add_icon=”true”][vc_custom_heading text=”Waste Reduction At Home” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Backyard Composting” tab_id=”backyard-composting”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Reduce waste by composting your food scraps and yard trimmings in a backyard compost pile. More information can be found at the following websites:<\/p>\n
Home Composting<\/a> <\/i> – Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station<\/p>\n Composting is Way Easier Than You Think<\/a> <\/i> – NRDC<\/p>\n Composting at Home<\/a> <\/i> – EPA<\/p>\n Backyard Leaf Composting<\/a> <\/i> – Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”“Grass – Cut It and Leave It“” tab_id=”grass-cut-and-leave”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n Just cut it and leave it to save time and money<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ll save 20-25% of your time because you won\u2019t have to stop and empty your lawnmower bag, and you\u2019ll avoid purchasing yard waste bags and hauling them to the curb. You\u2019ll need to fertilize less (25-50%), since clippings return nutrients to the soil.<\/p>\n Mow your lawn correctly<\/strong><\/p>\n To maintain your lawn properly, mow high and mow often, so that you only take off about 1\/3 of the length of the grass. This will result in an attractive, neatly trimmed lawn, and clippings will disappear when they filter down to the soil. Most New Jersey lawns should be mowed 2 \u00bd – 3 \u00bd inches high (like the rough beside a golf course fairway), especially in summer, to shade the soil, cool the roots, and block weed growth. Mulching mowers help you do this; they chop the clippings into fine pieces that slip easily down to the soil. Most new mowers are mulching mowers, and you can attach mulching equipment to your existing mower.<\/p>\n The right amount of water<\/strong><\/p>\n Controlling watering rates will help your lawn grow at manageable levels and still stay healthy. Don\u2019t water until the lawn is dry. If it turns blue-green or gray, or if footprints don\u2019t spring back, it\u2019s time to water. Provide about an inch at a time for clay soil, and half an inch for sandy soil. Place a few cans around the lawn and note how long it takes for that much water to collect. Even in dry periods, lawns usually need a thorough watering only once a week, or twice if soils are sandy. If managed carefully, water will soak the soil four to six inches down, just right for building healthy root systems and greener growth. Early morning watering conserves water by preventing evaporation.<\/p>\n What to do with excessive growth<\/strong><\/p>\n If you miss a week, or if heavy rain causes fast growth, you have some choices.<\/p>\n Double mow<\/em><\/p>\n Set the mower higher than usual and cut no more than the top third of the grass. In a day or two, set the mower height down and bring the lawn mower down another 1\/3 of its height. Continue this process until you reach the desired height.<\/p>\n Mulch heavy clippings into the garden<\/em><\/p>\n Bag or rake the clippings and apply them to your garden as mulch. Spread them an inch deep, to cool the soil, retain water, prevent erosion and compaction, and smother weed seeds.<\/p>\n Mix them with the soil<\/em><\/p>\n New Jersey soils can be improved by adding organic matter. Added organic materials make heavy clay soils become more productive, and sandy soils retain more water.<\/p>\n Compost<\/em><\/p>\n Grass speeds up your composting, but can cause odors and deplete oxygen if not properly managed. If you compost large amounts of grass, turn the pile often with a pitchfork.<\/p>\n What about thatch?<\/strong><\/p>\n Clippings don\u2019t cause thatch. Thatch is formed from the accumulation of dead roots and stems. The more you fertilize and water your lawn, the more it grows and the faster thatch accumulates.<\/p>\n Many people apply too many lawn products, too often. It costs money and may harm the lawn. Better to evaluate problems and apply only what you need. Let your County Agriculture Extension Agents give you expert advice on care and disease treatment. The Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station has\u00a0publications<\/a>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0regarding proper lawncare.<\/p>\n Every year in New Jersey, dozens of people poison themselves taking care of their own lawns because they don\u2019t take product label warnings seriously, and they think that more is better. Lawn additives are powerful chemicals, and you need to use them correctly.<\/p>\n Fertilizer<\/strong><\/p>\n Too much fertilizer means rapid growth and more mowing. Use soil testing to verify the need for fertilizer; see your County Extension Office for a soil test kit. Fertilize in September and again in October or November for a healthier lawn. This keeps the lawn greener through the winter and strengthens roots for thick growth in the spring without the unwanted long growth caused by spring fertilization. This means fewer mowings, less clippings, and less work. Don\u2019t fertilize in summer unless needed; too much can kill cool-season grasses such as fine fescues! Use fertilizer containing at least 50% controlled release nitrogen. The bag may say \u201cwater insoluble or WIN,\u201d \u201corganic,\u201d or \u201cslow release\u201d nitrogen.<\/p>\n When you cut it and leave it, the nitrogen from the grass clippings will add one to two pounds of nitrogen a year to each thousand square feet of lawn. You can adjust the spreader setting to about \u00bd to \u00be of the manufacturer\u2019s recommended setting.<\/p>\n Herbicides and insecticides<\/strong><\/p>\n Herbicides remain on the grass for some time, and some make the clippings unsuitable for mulch, so it\u2019s important to cut it and leave it when you use weed killers. Too much herbicide can burn the lawn, kill nearby plants, and contaminate waterways. Instead of repeated whole lawn application of weed killers, try a one-time pre-emergent weed killer and spot application if your lawn has only a few weeds. If you see signs of insect damage, call your extension agent to determine what you need before you select an insecticide. You may find that you don\u2019t need any at all.<\/p>\n You can achieve the lawn you want and also protect our environment, when you practice careful turf management, and Cut It and Leave It!<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Green Shopping” tab_id=”green-shopping”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n Think green before you shop. When you\u2019re out shopping, carefully choose what you buy and how much of it. Purchase durable items instead of disposable products whenever possible. Buy in bulk to save money and reduce packaging waste.<\/p>\n Think Green Before You Shop<\/a> <\/i><\/p>\n Green Grocery: How To Shop To Support the Environment<\/a> <\/i>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Junkmail” tab_id=”junkmail”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Consumers can reduce the amount of junk mail – unwanted catalogs, unsolicited credit and insurance offers and more – they receive using the following resources:<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”“Pay-as-You-Throw“ Systems” tab_id=”pay-as-you-throw-systems”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n PAYT systems are a way to equitably charge for trash disposal while encouraging waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and backyard composting.<\/p>\n Listed below are those municipalities in New Jersey that are utilizing a PAYT system as of August 2024. If you know of a municipality that uses PAYT, but is not listed, or to correct information, please contact Steven.Rinaldi@deptest.nj.gov<\/a>. There are several municipalities in New Jersey that have a modified or partial version of a PAYT system, e.g., residents can put out x number of cans of trash for collection, but must purchase and use a sticker for those cans above the specified limit. The municipalities with such modified or partial PAYT systems are not listed here.[\/vc_column_text][vc_table vc_table_theme=”classic”][b;align-center;borders_all]Municipality,[b;align-center;borders_all]County,[b;align-center;borders_all]Type|[align-center;borders_all]Mendham%20Township,[align-center;borders_all]Morris,[align-center;borders_all]Sticker%20(optional)|[align-center;borders_all]Township%20of%20Pennsville,[align-center;borders_all]Salem,[align-center;borders_all]Sticker|[align-center;borders_all]City%20of%20Salem,[align-center;borders_all]Salem,[align-center;borders_all]Sticker[\/vc_table][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Pay Bills Online” tab_id=”pay-bills-online”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Pay major credit card and utility bills online, and eliminate incoming and outgoing mail.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Toxicity Reduction in the Garden” tab_id=”toxicity-reduction-in-the-garden”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n The following four strategies will help you to reduce the use of chemicals in your garden and yard while still achieving great results:<\/p>\n Cut-It-And-Leave-It<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Leave the grass clippings on your lawn when you mow, and let nature do the recycling. \u00a0You\u2019ll mow higher and build a lawn that fights weeds by itself.<\/p>\n Integrated Pest Management<\/strong><\/p>\n Integrated pest management, or IPM, offers more ways to protect your plants. Just as there\u2019s a hierarchy of waste management (reduce, reuse, recycle), there\u2019s an order to pest control:<\/p>\n Learn about Integrated Pest Management<\/a> <\/i>.<\/p>\n Have your soil tested if you are unsure about the health of your soil and grass and whether treatment is needed. \u00a0Contact your agricultural agent about soil testing at the address below:<\/p>\n Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory<\/a> <\/i> Going Organic<\/strong><\/p>\n Most garden shops sell quick-release synthetic fertilizers and inorganic pesticides. Ask if they offer organic options, or shop on line. Read more at:<\/p>\n The Journey to Forever Project<\/a> <\/i><\/p>\n Here Are Things You Can Do Now Make yard care safer for you and your community.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Toxicity Reduction in the Home” tab_id=”toxicity-reduction-in-the-home”][vc_column_text css=””]People are exposed every day to toxic materials in their own home in the form of cleansers, pesticides and from fumes from paint and carpeting. Fortunately, comparable products with little or no toxic constituents are available in today\u2019s marketplace. Visit the following websites to learn how to reduce toxics in your home:<\/p>\n Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Information<\/a> <\/i><\/p>\n Toxics in Packaging<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4064″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”” el_class=”w-100″][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-gifts” color=”blue” css=”” add_icon=”true”][vc_custom_heading text=”Waste Reduction and the Holidays” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n American households generate 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.\u00a0 That’s about 1 million extra tons of trash each year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.\u00a0 Thankfully, there are many simple and easy things that people can do to reduce the amount of waste generated during the holiday season.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Food Waste Reduction” tab_id=”food-waste-reduction”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n It is estimated that 40% of food in the United States today goes uneaten, which means that Americans are not only generating a significant quantity of food waste each year, but are throwing out the equivalent of $165 billion annually! According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans disposed of more than 38 million tons of food waste in 2014. Furthermore, a recent waste composition study<\/a> <\/i> conducted in Mercer County, New Jersey found that food waste was the largest component in the county\u2019s solid waste stream. In fact, nearly 25% of the garbage that was sorted in this study was food waste. Once in landfills, food breaks down to produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change.<\/p>\n Food is wasted on the farm, some more in processing, more still in food service and finally in American kitchens. Food thrown away at home includes unopened, unexpired packages, as well as plate scrapings. Surprisingly, more food waste results from food that was not even served rather than from plate scrapings! Yes, this is food that never even got to the table! No one intends to waste food when they go shopping, but that\u2019s what happens.<\/p>\n How does this happen? Often, shoppers buy more than the family can eat because the grocery store offers bulk deals. In addition, people often fail to match their intentions with their actions; they save leftovers but never eat them, or they mean to serve fruit, but eat cookies. Shoppers also often buy extra when they are unsure of portion size. Furthermore, people tend to discard foods that don\u2019t fit into their normal routine; these may be new products that the family tries and dislikes, or specialty foods, such as hot dog buns. Once the hot dogs are eaten, the extra buns go stale. Consumers also discard food that is still safe because they mistake the sell-by date for an expiration date. Others make the opposite error. They have unrealistic ideas about how long food will last, and leave it in the refrigerator too long.<\/p>\n You can shop and serve smarter, save money and prevent waste by utilizing the strategies listed below.<\/p>\n Family holiday\/special event dinners increase waste, so whether you\u2019re hosting or bringing food, consider:<\/p>\n For additional planning, storage, prep and thriftiness tips that will help you reduce the amount of food that you waste, visit EPA’s Preventing Wasted Food At Home<\/a> <\/i>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Infographics” tab_id=”infographics”][vc_column_text css=””]The Bureau of Sustainability creates infographics<\/a> on a variety of sustainability topics. Explore our collection of infographics designed to provide practical tips and strategies for minimizing waste during the holidays. These informative visuals are available for personal use and can also be downloaded to share within your business, workplace, or local government initiatives to promote sustainable practices.<\/p>\n Holiday and New Year’s Infographics<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Trimming our Holiday “Wasteline“” tab_id=”trimming-our-holiday-wasteline”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n To many, the holiday season is \u201cthe most wonderful time of the year,\u201d but for those in the garbage disposal business it is also the busiest time of the year due to the increase in trash generation resulting from holiday festivities. In fact, in the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, American households generate 25% more waste. That’s about 1 million extra tons of trash each year, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.\u00a0 Thankfully, there are many simple and easy things that people can do to reduce the amount of trash they generate during the holiday season. The suggestions found below allow for full enjoyment of the holidays, but at the same time will help you to reduce your environmental footprint this holiday season.<\/p>\n Many people have more belongings than they have time or space to enjoy. Give a gift experience this year instead of a traditional gift:<\/p>\n For kids, the gift of your time will be appreciated:<\/p>\n Most gifts don\u2019t last long, but investments do, especially for babies too young to appreciate gifts.<\/p>\n Convinced you must give a real, solid, wrapped gift?<\/p>\n And, of course, don\u2019t forget to recycle all those pre-holiday catalogs, corrugated boxes, and cans and bottles from holiday get-togethers!<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4065″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-building-lock” color=”blue” css=”” add_icon=”true”][vc_custom_heading text=”Waste Reduction at the Office” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Conduct a Waste Audit” tab_id=”conduct-a-waste-audit”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n A waste audit is a formal, structured analysis of an organization\u2019s waste stream that enables one to determine what types of recyclable materials and waste one\u2019s office or facility generates and how much of each type is recovered for recycling or discarded. By using the data generated by a waste audit, organizations can identify ways in which they can reduce their waste generation, improve their recycling program and determine the potential for cost savings.\u00a0 Check out the waste audit resources on the New Jersey WasteWise Business Network<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Paper Reduction Strategies” tab_id=”paper-reduction-strategies”][vc_column_text css=””]Explore the resources below, to help your office transition to a more paper-efficient and environmentally conscious operation.<\/p>\n Reducing Paper Use in the Office<\/a> <\/i> Reusable Transport Packaging<\/a> <\/i> [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4072″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-solid fa-recycle” color=”blue” css=”” add_icon=”true”][vc_custom_heading text=”Reuse Strategies” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300669b” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” css=”” el_id=”reuse-strategies”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]In setting waste reduction strategies, the first priority is the elimination of waste; the second is reuse. Reuse programs keep materials that would otherwise be discarded out of the waste stream and make quality products available to people and organizations with limited means, while generating jobs and business activity that contribute to the economy. Reuse includes conventional reuse where the item is used again for the same function, and new-life reuse (often referred to as \u201crepurposing\u2019) where an item is used for a different function.[\/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion color=”white” spacing=”1″ gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” c_position=”right” active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Donation” tab_id=”donation”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n It has often been said that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Instead of discarding unwanted items, try donating or selling them. Not only will you be reducing waste, you’ll be helping others. Local churches, community centers, thrift stores, schools, nonprofit organizations and other organizations may accept a variety of donated items. Check out the reuse opportunities below and look for additional opportunities in your area.<\/p>\n Appliances<\/strong> \u2013 Habitat for Humanity\u2019s ReStores<\/a> <\/i> accept donations of new and gently used appliances.<\/p>\n Architectural Items<\/strong> \u2013 Recycling the Past, Inc.<\/a> <\/i> is an architectural salvage company that specializes in architectural salvage for the home and garden. This company might be interested in architectural items that you no longer want or need.<\/p>\n Bags (Reusable Shopping Bags)<\/strong> \u2013 Food pantries, soup kitchens and other food relief organizations accept donated reusable shopping bags and use them for distributing food to the needy.\u00a0 Community Food Bank of New Jersey<\/a> <\/i> maintains a list of locations where reusable bags can be donated.<\/p>\n Bicycles<\/strong><\/p>\n Binders<\/strong> \u2013 Many schools will accept donations of used binders. Check with your local school district.<\/p>\n Books<\/strong><\/p>\n Boxes (Corrugated Cardboard)<\/strong> – In an effort to reduce waste, U-Haul\u2019s Box Exchange<\/a> <\/i> program helps customers sell, give away, or find used corrugated cardboard boxes.<\/p>\n Bras<\/strong><\/p>\n Bricks<\/strong> \u2013 Old bricks that are still in good shape can be cleaned up and reused. Check with local recyclers of construction and demolition waste or architectural salvage companies to see if they would be interested in your old bricks for sale as reclaimed bricks. Companies that recycle various components of construction and demolition debris can be found on the NJDEP\u2019s Building Materials<\/strong> \u2013 Habitat for Humanity\u2019s ReStores<\/a> <\/i> are retail establishments that sell quality used and surplus building materials at reduced prices. Building materials sold at ReStores are donated by building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews and the general public.<\/p>\n Clothes<\/strong><\/p>\n Compact Discs<\/strong> – Most libraries will accept donations of used CDs. Check with your local library.<\/p>\n DVDs<\/strong> – Most libraries will accept donations of used DVDs. Check with your local library.<\/p>\n Eyeglasses<\/strong><\/p>\n Food (surplus)<\/strong><\/p>\n Furniture and Household Goods<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/100\/grass-cut-it-and-leave-it-300x266.png\")
Grass clippings are a major part of New Jersey\u2019s municipal solid waste stream.\u00a0 DEP estimates that as much as a ton of clippings is generated for every acre of turf grass each year. With nearly 900,000 acres in New Jersey covered in turf, that adds up to big transportation requirements, fuel use and air emissions. As a New Jersey resident, you are already helping to avoid air pollution and wasted resources by recycling. You can do more by reducing waste at the source. Leave the grass clippings on your lawn when you mow, and let nature do the recycling.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/100\/grass-seeding-300x266.png\")
Lawn additives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/100\/pay-as-you-throw-300x266.png\")
\u201cPay As You Throw\u201d (PAYT), per unit pricing, per bag pricing and variable rate pricing are all terms to describe trash collection systems wherein residents pay for municipal waste management services per unit of waste collected rather than through a fixed or flat fee. In PAYT systems, residents are either required to purchase special plastic bags for their trash or stickers that are then placed on their garbage bags or cans. Municipalities commonly limit the weight of the bag or can of trash. In some cases, an annual fee is also charged to the residents in these systems.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/100\/garden-native-flowers-violets-1-300x266.png\")
Gardening is a healthy hobby enjoyed by millions of New Jersey citizens, but often involves the use of powerful lawn and garden chemical products.\u00a0 By cutting back on the use of these chemicals or eliminating them altogether, you can reduce your exposure to these strong chemicals.\u00a0 This will not only protect your family, but also your pets and the wildlife that visits your yard.\u00a0 Lawn fertilizers and pesticides should also be used sparingly, if at all.\u00a0 Always follow the instructions provided on the label of these products.\u00a0 Excess use of fertilizers poses a threat to our waterways.\u00a0 Visit Jersey Yards<\/a> to learn more about the effects of fertilizer use.<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/100\/grass-cut-it-and-leave-it-1-300x266.png\")
Soil Testing<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nP.O. Box 902
\nMilltown, NJ 08850
\n732-932-9295
\nsoiltest@rcre.rutgers.edu<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/100\/garden-source-reduction-1-300x266.png\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/100\/food-waste-2-1-300x266.png\")
How to Reduce Food Waste at Home<\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/sustainability\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/100\/fw-refrigerator-300x266.png\")
What can you do to reduce food waste?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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Give experiences:<\/h5>\n
\n
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Give investments:<\/h5>\n
\n
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After the holidays:<\/h5>\n
\n
\nwhat your local charities and non-profit organizations need. Remember, giving to charitable organizations tends to drop off after the holidays, so keep these organizations in mind.<\/li>\n
\nThe Paperless Society<\/a> <\/i>
\nThe Pull Printing Option<\/a> <\/i>
\nTake Paperless Notes<\/a> <\/i>
\nReducing Paper and Printer Ink Usage<\/a> <\/i>
\nCatalogs – Contact Catalog Choice to opt out of receiving catalogs<\/a> <\/i>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Non-Paper Waste Reduction” tab_id=”non-paper-waste-reduction”][vc_column_text css=””]Discover effective strategies for minimizing waste in the office with the links below.\u00a0 Whether you’re looking to implement small changes or overhaul your office’s waste management practices, these resources are designed to guide and inspire your efforts.<\/p>\n
\nReduce Waste and Save Money Through Purchasing<\/a> <\/i>
\nFour Easy Non-Paper Waste Reduction Ideas<\/a> <\/i>
\nCut It and Leave It (leave grass clippings on your company\u2019s lawn)<\/a> <\/i>
\nDonate Unwanted Office Furniture<\/a> <\/i>
\nDonate Unwanted Office Supplies – Check with local schools and charities.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Other Workplace Waste Reduction” tab_id=”other-workplace-waste-reduction”][vc_column_text css=””]Below are additional ways to reduce waste in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n
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\ndatabase of Class B recycling centers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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\nfamilies in need.<\/li>\n