The world is becoming more aware of the need to reduce the amount of trash taken to landfills. Most major cities are suffering from waste overload as landfills are filling up at a record pace. Rural areas are likewise experiencing difficulty in handling the enormous amount of garbage generated every day.

The United States is responsible for about 220 million tons of trash per year. As of 2009, about 66 million tons of that is recycled (32%) rather than taken to landfills. Canada produces about 14 million tons per year, of which about 5 million tons are recycled (39%). Mexico is responsible for about 36 million tons per year with 1.2 million tons being recycled (3.3%). The United Kingdom produces about 35 million tons per year, with 9.5 million tons being recycled (27%).

No one of us will ever beat the trash problem alone, but together, the world can solve this problem. To make the task less threatening, it is estimated that the average American is responsible for about 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of trash per day. Most of this trash is food packaging, including drink packaging, and organic scraps.

The catch-phrase for the environmental initiative is: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Notice that recycle could be referred to as the last resort.

The obvious first step is to reduce the amount of trash we buy. Buy products in bulk whenever possible, thereby reducing store packaging. Try to stay away from Styrofoam when possible; it is bad for the environment and hard to recycle. Use reusable storage containers for dividing bulk foods and storing leftovers.

Second, reuse as much as possible, rather than throwing it away. Some packaging is reusable and it might surprise you what a little research and creativity may reveal.

Third, separate and recycle everything else. Use a few smaller trash cans labeled for each type of trash. Separate your trash into paper, plastic, aluminum, tin cans, glass, organic scraps, etc. Most trash centers have larger containers designated for each type of recyclable trash.

Paper can be recycled for cardboard and other grades of paper.
Plastic (bottles, etc.) can be recycled for new bottles and other uses.
Aluminum (cans, foil, etc.) can be sold for cash and recycled for new cans.
Tin Cans can be recycled for other uses.
Glass can be recycled for other uses.
Organic scraps can be composed (if you are a gardener, composting is preferred),
or taken to the landfill where it will easily break-down.

The benefits of making this adjustment in habits will result in far less trash going to landfills, reduce the stress on our environment, save money and put a few coins in your pocket.