Greener Choices

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New Yorkers send about 4 pounds of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) per person per day- or 0.75 tons per person per year- to disposal facilities. MSW includes all waste generated by residents, whether in single-family or multi-family residences; commercial establishments, including all offices, stores, shops, restaurants, or businesses of any nature; and waste generated by institutions, including any schools, government buildings, prisons, nursing homes, hospitals, or other similar facilities. With millions of people living across New York State, waste adds up quickly! 

New Yorkers have many opportunities to contribute to sustainability and environmental conservation by focusing on waste reduction before it even begins. This can be achieved by mindfully reducing the purchasing of disposable products and being intentional about the materials we bring into our lives. 

By embracing reusables that serve many uses and reducing reliance on disposable items, we can reduce the burden on waste management systems while saving money and natural resources. Together, we can help New York State’s goal to reduce waste disposed of by 80% by 2050.  You can learn more about New York State’s goals for sustainable materials management by exploring New York State’s Solid Waste Management Plan. 

How to Make Greener Choices

Learn more about Recycling, Composting, and Product Stewardship. In addition, use these tips and information from our Living the Green Life webpage to help you be a better steward of the Earth and live more sustainably.

At Home...

  • Set the refrigerator temperature between 38 F and 42 F.
  • Set the freezer temperature between O F and 5 F.
  • Don't let the faucet run while washing dishes.
  • Replace single-use paper towels with cloth towels or Swedish dishcloths, which can be washed and reused.
  • Donate or resell appliances, furniture, or kitchenware that you no longer need. 

  • Replace paper napkins with reusable cloth napkins.
  • Use washable/reusable plates, cups, and silverware over paper or plastic disposable options.
  • Serve condiments from recyclable or refillable containers.

  • Wash and dry only full loads.
  • Wash with warm water instead of hot.
  • Rinse with cold water instead of warm.
  • Hang clothes to dry when possible.
  • Donate or resell unwanted clothing and household textiles.  

  • Turn off the sink while brushing your teeth.
  • Shut off the shower while soaping and scrubbing.
  • Install a low-flow shower head to save water.
  • Reduce the water volume in your toilet tank.
  • Switching to a reusable razor instead of disposables. 

  • Switch off unnecessary lights.
  • Dress for the season instead of adjusting the thermostat.   
  • Use natural light: raise shades in winter days and; lower them in summer.
  • Opt for rechargeable batteries.
  • Donate or resell furniture that you no longer want. 

  • Compost leaves and grass clippings.
  • Avoid pesticides, use nontoxic alternatives.
  • Apply only as much fertilizer as the lawn needs.
  • Use native plants which require little to no watering.
  • Plant a tree. 

Recycle motor oil, antifreeze and car batteries properly. 

Away from Home...

  • Drive at the speed limit.
  • Avoid sudden starts or stops.
  • Don't overfill the fuel tank.
  • Check the tire pressure monthly.
  • Change air and oil filters regularly. 

  • Don't buy over-packaged items.
  • Choose products in reusable and/or recyclable containers.
  • Buy concentrated cleaners and detergents.
  • Return empty bottles and cans for deposit.
  • Bring your own reusable bag- don't rely on single-use paper bags.
  • Buy in bulk to reduce packaging.
  • Choose minimally packaged produce.
  • Look for products with post-consumer recycled content.
  • Select recyclable packaging, such as aluminum, steel, glass containers and certain plastics and paper board. Check your local recycling guidelines for accepted materials. You can learn more about what can be recycled and how, by visiting the Recycle Right NY website and check your local recycling program guidelines. 

  • Send electronic copies whenever possible.
  • Print double-sided to save paper.
  • Reuse folders, envelopes, and shipping materials.
  • Consolidate mailings and remove outdated contacts.
  • Take action to get off unwanted mailing lists to reduce paper waste.
  • Bring reusable dishes, mugs/cups and silverware instead of disposables.
  • Reuse office supplies before purchasing new. 

  • Carry out what you carry in - leave no trace.
  • Hike, row, sail, ski or paddle - don't motor.
  • Build campfires with care.
  • Observe, don't disturb wildlife and plant life.
  • Share books, magazines, CDs and DVDs with others. 

  • Print double-sided and use scrap paper for notes.
  • Reuse textbooks and school supplies.
  • Compost cafeteria food scraps.
  • Pack lunches in a lunch box or canvas bag, use reusable dishes, cups/mugs, containers and silverware.
  • Celebrate waste reduction, reuse and recycling by hosting and/ or participating in waste reduction events and initiatives. 

Everywhere...

  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

Tips for Planning a Sustainable Event

DEC recently enacted a new sustainable meetings and events policy to ensure that meetings it holds have a lower environmental impact. Other organizations can also host green meetings and events by following these guidelines. They can help reduce waste, conserve resources, save money, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Provide Clear Waste Disposal Options

  • Ensure your meeting space has clearly labeled recycling, compost (if available), and trash bins.
    • Minimize contamination by providing instructions on (or above) the bins about what can and cannot be disposed of in each bin.

Go Digital for Documents

  • Instead of printing, share documents digitally ahead of time and use QR codes on the check-in table to share digital materials. This not only reduces paper waste but also ensures that attendees can easily access and share your documents on their devices. You can also have a few paper copies on hand for accessibility reasons if folks request one.

Provide Reusable Materials

  • Provide water bottle filling options (filling stations or water pitchers) and use reusable cutlery and utensils for meals that are served.
  • If the meeting is less formal, then ask attendees to bring their own reusable cups, bottles, and materials. This reduces the need for disposable items and promotes a culture of sustainability.

Consider Virtual Meetings

  • Ask yourself: Can this meeting be held virtually? Virtual meetings eliminate the need for transportation, significantly reducing the greenhouse gas emissions typically associated with in-person gatherings.

Promote Carpooling and Public Transportation

  • If an in-person meeting is necessary, encourage attendees to carpool. This will reduce an individual’s greenhouse gas emissions.
    • In addition, make sure to send out directions to the meeting location via public transportation as well as driving so attendees know that taking transit is an option.

Choose Sustainable Promotional Items

  • When providing giveaways or promotional items, opt for sustainable or experiential alternatives.
    • Avoid single-use plastic products, and instead, consider eco-friendly options like reusable bags, plants or seeds, or experiences that leave no waste behind.
    • If you are going to give out items, choose ones that can help the user live more sustainably, such as reusable cutlery sets.

Serve Lower Carbon Meals

Important Links:

Guidance on how to make environmentally friendly Greener Choices.
New York State's Solid Waste Management Plan
Textile Reuse and Recycling
Recycle Right: Local Guidelines
Waste Reduction Events
Contact for this Page

DCEE, Bureau of Digital Services
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233

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