The average American generates 4.6 pounds of trash per day. 2 1/2 lbs goes to landfill and the remainder is recycled or incinerated.

Before putting something in your trash can or taking it the curb, think about possible sustainable alternatives.  Try purchasing reusable dish rags over sponges, or towels instead of the paper version.

You can even challenge your household: Set one small trash bin out for each member of your household, and see who has the most in it each week.  The loser takes out everyone’s trash for one month.

Readers, what can you change in your household?  Please share in the comments.

Pic courtesy of the Sierra Club

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher