Being mindful to reduce consumption and wastefulness should always be the first priority.

Reusable goods that can be utilized multiple times without degradation is the second-best option.

Reduce Consumption and Waste

• Purchase higher quality, durable, repairable items that will last longer than less durable alternatives.

• Buy only what you need and will actually use; focus on quality over quantity.

• Donate to the Big Sky Community Food Bank

• Refuse single-use plastic

  • Refillable H2O bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles (see our refillable water stations project)

REUSE as much as possible

• Look for opportunities to use existing products, rent (instead of buy) tools/ equipment, borrow from your neighbors or start a neighborhood tool sharing library.

• Donate used items to charities and thrift stores.

• Replace commonly used disposable products (coffee mugs, zip-top bags, paper towels, takeout containers, batteries, etc.) with durable alternatives.

Recycling is regional. Here is what is accepted locally.

• Purchase items made with less overall packaging and with recyclable or compostable packaging.

• Avoid materials that are not recyclable locally, including Styrofoam, most plastics, and glass.

• Before purchasing a material object that will someday become part of the waste stream, stop to consider alternatives that use fewer natural resources (ex: electronic rather than paper subscriptions; durable rather than disposable products; minimal packaging waste).

• Utilize recycling and composting programs. Diverting materials from the landfill directly reduces landfill greenhouse gas emissions:

  • Big Sky Recycling Center, 47280 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730

• Sign up for curbside recycling from Republic Services.

• Sign up for curbside compost for your home or business with YES Compost.