Globally, household waste accounts for a staggering 50 tons per second. Instead of contributing to that depressing statistic and adding significant amounts of trash to your local landfill, try proactively reducing your household waste. If you get your whole family involved, reducing household waste can become a fun challenge. Reducing waste at home doesn't have to be drastic either--simply aim to throw out less waste this month than you did last month, and then repeat the same challenge next month. Here are six tips for reducing your household waste:

Start a Compost Bin

When food scraps get tossed in the trash they end up in a landfill, where they get buried under many heavy layers of trash and are unable to biodegrade properly since they don't have access to oxygen. Instead of throwing all of your food scraps in the trash, you can set your vegetable and fruit peels and rinds, eggshells, and even coffee grounds aside to make compost. You can then use this compost in your garden come spring, or give it to a gardening friend if you aren't interested in starting a garden. 

You can buy a compost bin online or at a home improvement store, or even try your hand at making one yourself.

Eat Less Processed Food

When you think about the kinds of food that come with the most packaging, which means the most trash, you probably think of unhealthy, processed foods. If you transition toward eating more fresh produce, grains from the bulk bins at the grocery store, and fresh fish and meat, you will have a lot less waste to throw away. As an added bonus, you and your family will be doing something great for your health at the same time. Don't forget to bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store when you shop.

Learn What You Can Recycle

If you aren't currently signed up for recycling, or your city hasn't given you a recycling bin for your home, call a local waste management company, such as B-P Trucking Inc. While you're at it, ask for a list of what you are allowed to recycle, as this can vary greatly based on where you live. You may want to hang the list by your recycling bin as a reminder, especially if you have kids who you are teaching to recycle.

Use Reusable Containers

Once you get into the habit of using reusable containers it will begin to seem like second nature. This simple habit can greatly reduce your household waste. Use refillable water bottles instead of buying plastic bottles all the time. Instead of tossing large plastic tubs that yogurt or cottage cheese come in, wash them out and use them as tupperware.

Receive Less Mail

Junk mail can easily account for a large percentage of household waste. You can unsubscribe from most junk mail by signing up here. In addition, be sure to switch to paperless bills and statements for your credit cards, utilities, bank accounts, etc.

Be a More Conscientious Shopper

The more extraneous stuff you buy, the more stuff will get tossed in the trash later. Plus, shopping usually involves excess packaging that gets thrown away. You don't have to give up shopping altogether, but simply become more mindful about it. Keep an ongoing list of things you need to replace or purchase, and try to avoid impulse buys. It's best to pay a bit more for quality items that will last a long time.

Reducing household waste is definitely achievable for most families. By following these tips, you should soon find yourself needing to take out the garbage far less often.

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