EcoConsumer Waste Calculator

Paper Towels

Paper towels are everywhere. We use them at home, in the workplace, and in public restrooms. Sure, they’re convenient, but reusable cloth rags, dishcloths, hand towels, and sponges can often do the same job.

I use a paper towel    times per week.

Select geographic area: King County Washington State

If everyone used paper towels this often, here’s how many tons would be discarded each year:

Resources for reducing paper towel waste

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Magazines and Catalogs

Magazines and catalogs can stack up in your home before you even realize it. You chose to receive some, but others simply arrive in the mail, day after day. Recycling is an option, but preventing them from reaching you is a better strategy. Review your list of subscriptions and cancel those you don’t have time to read. Contact catalog companies and ask them to remove your name from their mailing lists. Also try using the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service. This free service is good for five years and can reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive.

My household receives   magazines and catalogs per month.

Select geographic area: King County Washington State

If everyone received this many magazines and catalogs, here’s how many tons of paper would be discarded each year:

Resources for reducing magazine and catalog waste

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Trash Bags

Do you buy trash bags? Save money and reduce waste by reusing grocery and other types of bags that might otherwise be thrown away. If you have to buy trash bags, consider purchasing ones made with recycled plastic.

We use   trash bags each week.

Select geographic area: King County Washington State

If every household used this many trash bags, here’s how many tons would be discarded each year:

Resources for reducing trash bag waste

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Razors

Razors are part of many people's daily routine. You probably buy, use, and discard razors or razor heads repeatedly throughout the year. Using electric razors or reusable razors can reduce waste and save you money. Also, look for razors with less packaging. While these items may seem too small to worry about, consider what happens to our waste stream when everyone discards these items.

We use:
disposable razors
a reusable razor with disposable heads

We discard   razors or razor heads each month.

Select geographic area: King County Washington State

If every household did this, here’s how many tons of waste would be generated every year:

Resources for reducing razor waste

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Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs are everywhere in our homes. They continually burn out and need to be replaced. Compact fluorescent lamps are a practical replacement, because they use much less energy, last 10 to 15 times longer, and produce much less heat. Turning off the lights in rooms that are not in use also will extend the life of light bulbs.

We change   light bulbs every six months.

Select geographic area: King County Washington State

If every household discarded this many light bulbs, here’s how many tons would be discarded each year:

Resources for reducing light bulb waste

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Newspapers

While the quantity of newspaper waste created each day is astounding, recycling can keep newspapers out of landfills. Another way to reduce the heaps of old newspapers and save money is to read the news online. Most of the major papers are now available on the internet. You can read many newspapers online, including the Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

We buy newspapers Monday through Saturday.

We also buy a Sunday newspaper each week
We DO NOT buy a Sunday newspaper each week

Select geographic area: King County Washington State

If everyone did this, here’s how many tons of waste would be generated every year:

Resources for reducing newspaper waste

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Dry Cleaner Products

Every time you pick up an item from the dry cleaner, you bring home plastic dry cleaning bags and wire hangers. Choose a cleaner that offers reusable bags. Return hangers for recycling. Ask your cleaner to combine clothing articles into fewer bags.

We pick up clothes at the dry cleaners   times per year.

We receive an average of   hangers and   plastic dry cleaning bags on each visit.

Select geographic area: King County Washington State

If every household received these items at dry cleaners this often, here’s how much waste would be generated each year:

Resources for reducing dry cleaner waste

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Plastic Milk and Water Containers

The average consumer drinks more than 20 gallons of milk a year. In addition, many households purchase jugs or bottles of water instead of drinking tap water. Plastic jugs and bottles are collected for recycling in King County.

We drink   gallons of milk and/or water from plastic jugs and bottles each week.

Select geographic area: King County Washington State

If every household used this many plastic milk and water containers, here's how many tons of plastic would be generated each year:

Resources for reducing plastic milk and water containers