We tend to use less of something if the container is smaller.

This idea comes from a local resident close to Jardim Gramacho the who appeared in Vik Muniz’ film Wasteland.

I found it to be true. If you have shampoo in a tiny container then you become more careful to use only the smallest amount that does the job whereas it is easy to squelch far too much shampoo from a big bottle. Big bottles encourage waste of the contents. Small bottles look like they have more packaging waste than product. We seem to be encouraged to buy in bulk with the special offers: 50% extra free, buy one get one free, family size, economy pack, etc. But there is a trick: if you transfer shampoo from your big bottle to your small bottle (and hide away the big one) then you easily get back to using shampoo sparingly again!

I hope this idea to reduce wastage appeals to you too!