WASTE TIP #1: Bounty Select-a-Size sheets are 45% smaller than regular Bounty sheets, but stronger when wet than the next leading 2-ply. That makes it possible for me to use smaller sheets on spills and reduce my waste vs using a regular Bounty sheet.

WASTE TIP #2: Before I hit PRINT I ask myself if I really need a hard copy. If I do, I use both sides of the paper. And I've added a Think Before You Print footer to my emails.

Do you know the cost of printing a single sheet of paper?

WASTE TIP #3: I donate old furniture to local furniture recyclers. They turn my unwanted pieces into something covetable, saving it from the landfill.

WASTE TIP #4: I use up scraps of material from curtains, dressmaking or unwanted clothes to make one-of-a-kind gift bags. My gifts look unique and I save bags of cash!

WASTE TIP #5: Rather than throwing out leftover wine, I pour it into an ice cube tray and store in the freezer until the next time I need to cook with wine. That way I don't waste a drop!

WASTE TIP #6: Here's my clip tip. I mow my lawn when it's dry and leave the clippings lying on the grass to break down and feed the lawn underneath.

WASTE TIP #7: In my office, my recycling bin is closer to my desk than the trash can. That way I'm more tempted to recycle!

How much does the average Canadian recycles each year?

WASTE TIP #8: I check out local used clothing stores to find vintage fashions. It's a great way to recycle, cuts out carbon emissions made by making new clothes and it's unique!

WASTE TIP #9: Even though I have low-flow fittings on my taps and shower, I make sure to turn them on only as far as I need - the faster the flow, the more water that's wasted.

What's the big deal about Low Flow showerheads?

WASTE TIP #10: I read somewhere that up to a third of the drinking water that comes into the average home goes straight down the toilet. To reduce the volume per flush, I've put plastic bottles filled with water into our cisterns.

WASTE TIP #11: I use the water I've boiled my veggies in to make stocks or soups. Or, I pour it on my garden when it's cooled.

WASTE TIP #12: After shredding personal information in my paper shredder, I use the paper shreds as pillow or mattress stuffing rather than throwing them out.

WASTE TIP #13: I always keep environmental bags in my car and try to pack an environmental bag so I don't use plastic bags from stores.

WASTE TIP #14: I wash salad items, or scrub potatoes (for example) in a large stainless bowl instead of directly in the sink. Then I use the water for a second purpose, such as watering hanging baskets or plants, which is especially helpful during a dry summer when we have watering restrictions.

WASTE TIP #15: Turn the water off when brushing your teeth.

WASTE TIP #16: Under my cupboard, I keep a compost container conveniently beside my garbage. I found a small spot in my tiny back yard for a composter and managed to plant vegetables in pots in the summer using my compost. It turned out amazing!

WASTE TIP #17: Instead of buying a new blanket, I use old material scarps to craft one of my own. They make great gifts or heirlooms for the children. Or you can also make them for charity.

WASTE TIP #18: I wash my empty glass bottles and plastic food containers. Afterwards, I use them to store homemade soups or other things. This allows me to recycle the same container many times.

WASTE TIP #19: All of my reading books go to the Salvation Army or in bins at the grocery store.

WASTE TIP #20: I use the water from my dehumidifier to water my garden plants in the summer.

WASTE TIP #21: When first turning on the hot water, I put a jug under the tap to catch the initially cold water. This stops you wasting water while you wait for it to heat up. Then I use the water for my plants, or to fill the humidifier, dog dish, or kettle.

WASTE TIP #22: We've banned baggies from our house and always use reusable containers or jars.

WASTE TIP #23: I go to a bulk food store to purchase flour, sugar, salt, spices, candies, etc. I bring my own reusable plastic pails. It gets a little heavy sometimes, but it's worth every penny to me. And it also doubles as weightlifting!

WASTE TIP #24: I feed my plants unused tea and coffee after it has cooled to at least room temperature.

WASTE TIP #25: The plastic bags that hold milk make excellent freezer bags. They're very sturdy and can be closed with a twist-tie or elastic band. Not only do you reuse them before they're tossed into the recycling bin, but you save money as well.

WASTE TIP #26: I always carry a compact reusable bag in my purse. So, if I forget to take one reusable bag from my car when I go shopping or do the groceries, I can always use the one from my purse to avoid using a plastic bag that will stay in the dump for 400 years.

WASTE TIP #27: Composting reduces the amount of garbage we put out every week.

WASTE TIP #28: When showering, I turn off the water to shampoo my hair.

WASTE TIP #29: Slim down your waste. When packing a snack, the Recycling Council of Ontario suggests using reusable containers rather than packaging and plastic wrap that become leftovers in the landfill. Choosing products with reduced packaging can also shed pounds from your waste.

WASTE TIP #30: Many of our portable devices require batteries - canühome recommends switching from disposable to rechargeable batteries to reduce wastes and to power MP3 players, remote controls and digital cameras.

WASTE TIP #31: When throwing a party, PITCH-IN CANADA suggests serving finger foods to save the cost and waste of paper plates and plastic forks.

WASTE TIP #32: PITCH-IN CANADA recommends keeping reusable drink containers for coffee and water in your car or gym bag.