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WasteWise Updates

The WasteWise Update is the WasteWise program's principal technical assistance periodical. Each WasteWise Update details a single waste reduction strategy and provides case studies of organizations that have successfully implemented that strategy.

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WasteWise Update "Environmental Management Systems" (PDF) (12 pp, 1.1MB)
January 2003 (No. 19)
An Environmental Management Systems (EMS) can be an excellent tool for achieving meaningful environmental improvements, safer and healthier workplaces, and improved competitiveness. Describes the structure and benefits of an EMS, presents case studies of successful EMS implementation by WasteWise partners, and includes a resource list.


WasteWise Update: Resource Management
WasteWise Update "Global Warming...Is A Waste!" (PDF) (16 pp, 939K) | Text Version (text file) (56K)
July 2002 (No. 18)
Waste reduction presents opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of a product's life cycle. Provides an overview of the climate change and waste link and highlights WasteWise partners that have achieved GHG reductions by reusing products, recycling, and creating products with fewer raw materials.

WasteWise Update: Resource Management
WasteWise Update "Resource Management: Strategic Partnerships for Resource Efficiency" (PDF) (20 pp, 1.1MB)
March 2002 (No. 17)
Resource management (RM) is a strategic alternative to traditional disposal contracting that emphasizes and rewards resource efficiency (i.e., prevention, reuse, recycling) rather than waste disposal. Highlights tactics and performance of RM contracting by three WasteWise partners.

WasteWise Update: Building for the Future
WasteWise Update "Building for the Future" (PDF) (16 pp, 2.2MB)
February 2002 (No. 16)
Resource efficient building emphasizes the reduction of construction and demolition (C&D) debris; incorporation of waste prevention, durability, and recyclability into building design; and the use of resource-efficient building materials. Provides an overview of resource-efficient and green buildings and a comprehensive list of resources.

WasteWise Update: Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
WasteWise Update "Environmentally Preferable Purchasing" (PDF) (16 pp, 1.8MB) | Text Version (text file) (55K)
July 2001 (No. 15)
Environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) encourages organizations to consider environmental attributes of products and services prior to purchase. Identifies the benefits of EPP, describes how to establish and maintain an EPP program, and provides EPP examples.

WasteWise Update: Electronics Reuse and Recycling
WasteWise Update "Electronics Reuse and Recycling" (PDF) (16 pp, 1.5MB) | Text Version (text file) (66K)
October 2000 (No. 14)
Discusses the electronics waste stream and the benefits of electronics reuse and recycling. Provides information on donating or recycling electronics, reducing electronics waste by changing purchasing practices, and managing used electronics. Highlights electronics waste reduction opportunities specific to manufacturers and governments.

WasteWise Update: Moving Toward Sustainability
WasteWise Update "Moving Toward Sustainability" (PDF) (16 pp, 1.4MB) | Text Version (text file) (49K)
March 2000 (No. 13)
Defines and describes the evolution of environmental thinking from end-of-pipe pollution control solutions to more sophisticated concepts such as industrial ecology and sustainability. Features examples of WasteWise partners who have made a commitment toward becoming a sustainable business.

WasteWise Update: Recovering Organic Wastes-Giving Back to Mother Nature
WasteWise Update "Recovering Organic Wastes—Giving Back to Mother Nature" (PDF) (16 pp, 1.1MB) | Text Version (text file) (49K)
September 1999 (No. 12)
Highlights a number of organic waste diversion and recovery options implemented by WasteWise partners, including composting, vermicomposting, mulching and chipping, grasscycling, and donation. Provides basic information on the science of composting and tips on getting started with organics recovery.

WasteWise Update: The Measure of Success: Calculating Waste Reduction
WasteWise Update "The Measure of Success—Calculating Waste Reduction" (PDF) (16 pp, 1.7MB) | Text Version (text file) (68K)
June 1999 (No. 11)
Describes how to measure waste reduction, including selecting the right measurement approach, establishing a baseline, collecting data, and calculating results. Also details how to assess the cost savings, environmental impact, and hidden benefits of waste reduction.

WasteWise Update: Extended Product Responsibility
WasteWise Update "Extended Product Responsibility" (PDF) (16 pp, 473K) | Text Version) text file) (56K)
October 1998 (No. 10)
Provides examples of extended product responsibility (EPR), a systems approach to preventing pollution. Through EPR, players at every stage in the lifecycle of products collaborate to reduce the environmental impacts and resource use associated with the product system.

WasteWise Update: Building Supplier Partnerships
WasteWise Update "Building Supplier Partnerships" (PDF) (12 pp, 542K) | Text Version (text file) (47K)
April 1998 (No. 9)
Focuses on building partnerships with suppliers to reduce the amount of waste entering customer facilities.

WasteWise Update: Closing the Loop
WasteWise Update "Closing the Loop" (PDF) (13 pp, 1.6MB) | Text Version (text file) (58K)
December 1997 (No. 8)
Provides tips for buying products with recycled content, discusses government recycled product purchasing issues, and includes a list of buying recycled resources.

WasteWise Update: Donation Programs—Turning Trash into Treasure
WasteWise Update "Donation Programs—Turning Trash into Treasure" (PDF) (12 pp, 1.1MB) | Text Version (text file) (55K)
August 1997 (No. 7)
Describes a variety of successful donation programs implemented by WasteWise partners and provides a list of national reuse organizations.

WasteWise Update: Remanufactured Products: Good as New
WasteWise Update "Remanufactured Products: Good as New" (PDF) (12 pp, 514K) | Text Version (text file) (40K)
May 1997 (No. 6)
Describes partner success stories and provides tips for remanufacturing products to reduce waste.

WasteWise Update: Going Paperless with Technology
WasteWise Update "Going Paperless with Technology" (PDF) (12 pp, 503K) | Text Version (text file) (38K)


June 1996 (No. 5)

Examines technologies used by WasteWise partners to reduce office paper.


WasteWise Update: Employee Education
WasteWise Update "Employee Education" (PDF) (12 pp, 657K) | Text Version (text file) (43K)
January 1996 (No. 4)
Focuses on employee education as a key element of a successful waste reduction program.

WasteWise Update: Measuring Waste Reduction
WasteWise (PDF) (12 pp, 920K) | Text Version (text file) (44K)
September 1995 (No. 3)
Explains techniques and tools partners have used for measuring the effectiveness of waste prevention.

WasteWise Update: A Fresh Look at Packaging
WasteWise Update "A Fresh Look at Packaging"(PDF) (12 pp, 485K) | Text Version (text file) (38K)
May 1995 (No. 2)
Describes successful packaging reduction efforts undertaken by WasteWise partners.

WasteWise Update: Kick-Off Issue
WasteWise Update—Kickoff Issue (PDF) (8 pp, 371K) | Text Version (text file) (21K)
December 1994 (No. 1)

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