Section 5: Turning Waste Into Resources
John Maher-Maher Fine Art
 This material was in the back of a pickup truck on its way to a landfill. Salvage experts spotted it and got it for the asking. He in turn sold it to me. And I'm using it to ship out my frames.
Narrator
And Norm Thompson employees turn food waste into garden mulch through composting.
Each of these firms took steps to reduce and reuse the items they purchased. By preventing waste they saved money, resources and the environment. You can do it too.
Just ask yourself the following questions.
Can we do more with what we have?
Can we use what we have more effectively?
Can we substitute a material that is less toxic?
Can we use fewer disposable products?
Can we work with our vendors and customers?
Can we buy it used?
John Maher-Maher Fine Art
Instead of buying equipment new I try to buy used whenever I can. In this case I have shelves that the rebuilding center salvaged from a business. I got them for $30 rather than probably about $300 they would have cost me new.
Narrator
Waste prevention saves money, saves labor, saves storage space and saves natural resources and energy. Using resources wisely is good for the environment and good for the bottom line. Go beyond the bin. Stop waste before it begins.
To learn how to start your own waste prevention program contact your city or county recycling coordinator, or your Orgeon Department of Environmental Quality regional office.
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