reducing waste

[rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ weɪst]
verb phrase / gerund
redução de resíduos / redução de desperdício
1. The process of minimizing the amount of waste produced or disposed of, typically through conservation, recycling, or reusing materials
Reducing waste is essential for environmental sustainability and cost savings.
A redução de resíduos é essencial para a sustentabilidade ambiental e economia de custos.
2. In business or household contexts, the practice of decreasing unnecessary consumption and disposal of materials
The company implemented strategies for reducing waste in their production process.
A empresa implementou estratégias para redução de desperdício no seu processo de produção.
3. Environmental practice of following the 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' principle to minimize landfill contributions
Reducing waste starts with mindful purchasing and avoiding single-use products.
A redução de resíduos começa com compras conscientes e evitando produtos de uso único.
In Brazil, 'reducing waste' has become increasingly important in urban centers, particularly in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where environmental consciousness and sustainability initiatives are growing. The concept is often linked to broader discussions of 'economia circular' (circular economy) and corporate social responsibility. In the USA, this phrase is central to environmental movements and is frequently part of institutional policies in schools, businesses, and municipal governments, particularly in progressive cities.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
waste minimizationwaste reductioncutting wastedecreasing disposalwaste prevention
Antonyms / Antônimos
increasing wastewaste generationexcessive consumptiondisposal multiplication

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
redução de resíduos / redução de desperdício
Most common and formal usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
diminuição de lixo / redução de lixo
Colloquial variant using 'lixo' (garbage) more frequently
São Paulo
redução de resíduos / gestão de resíduos
More business-oriented and environmental terminology
Portugal
redução de desperdício / minimização de resíduos
Similar to Brazilian but with slightly different emphasis on 'desperdício' (waste/squandering)

Related Words

recyclingsustainabilityconservationcircular economylandfillcompostingreusing

Related Idioms & Phrases

reduce, reuse, recycle - reduzir, reutilizar, reciclar
waste not, want not - não desperdiçar, não carecer
going green - adotando práticas sustentáveis
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