Source reduction is decreasing the amount of materials or energy used during the manufacturing, distribution and packaging of products. Because it stops waste before it starts, source reduction is one of the top solid waste priorities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and for a growing number of packaged goods brands – in part driven by its environmental impact but largely because of the cost savings realized. Leading retailers such as Wal-Mart are fully embracing source reduction as a leading sustainability principle to be followed not only by their corporation, but by their 100,000 global suppliers as well. » » » »

The City of Detroit, once the shining example of industrialization, now struggles with urban decay, crime, rampant unemployment, and general devastation. But, through the efforts of responsible residents who have taken on the challenge to restore their city, a mild transformation is taking place that is helping to create a healthy community that can serve as a model for others. » » » »

For those of us who live in the Washington D.C. area, we’ve been delighted to see the social responsibility campaign underway to reduce litter and generate funds to clean up the Anacostia River, a tributary into the Potomac River. The Healthy Living campaign has been heavily promoted in the city’s Metro rapid transit stations with an abundance of colorful placards and social responsibility messages. » » » »