Precycling

Precycling is the practice of reducing waste by attempting to avoid buying items which will generate waste into home or business. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also cites that precycling is the preferred method of integrated solid waste management because it cuts waste at its source and therefore trash is eliminated before it is created.[1][2] According to the EPA, precycling is also characterized as a decision-making process on the behalf of the consumer because it involves making informed judgments regarding a product's waste implications.[3] The implications that are taken into consideration by the consumer include: whether a product is reusable, durable, or repairable; made from renewable or non-renewable resources; over-packaged; and whether or not the container is reusable.[4]

  1. ^ Greyson, James (2006). "An economic instrument for zero waste, economic growth and sustainability". Journal of Cleaner Production. 15 (2007): 1382–1390. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2006.07.019.
  2. ^ Gillian, Sheryl; Werner, Carol M.; Olson, Lynne; Adams, Dorothy (1996). "Teaching the concept of precycling: a campaign and evaluation". The Journal of Environmental Education. 28 (1): 11. doi:10.1080/00958964.1996.9942810.
  3. ^ O'Leary, Philip R; Walsh, Patrick W (1999). "Source Reduction: Final Report" (PDF). Decision Maker's Guide to Solid Waste Management. 2: 5.
  4. ^ O'Leary, Philip R; Walsh, Patrick W (1999). "Source Reduction: Final Report" (PDF). Decision Maker's Guide to Solid Waste Management. 2: 6.