GreenYour.com

If you want to trim your trash load, it pays to heed the old adage, "less is more." That means buying less and tossing less. Indeed, this is waste-reduction method No. 1 because you forgo creating garbage in the first place (meaning you skip the costly collecting, transporting, sorting, processing, storing, and disposal of waste).

Toward that end, avoid the urge to buy disposable when a reusable alternative is available. Look for products that are designed to last. Also, hunt for items with minimal packaging, as well as those that use fewer raw materials during production. Or don't buy new items in the first place (rent, lease, or repair old ones instead).

Start reducing with these tips:

Baby

• Choose reusable cloth baby wipes
• Choose eco-friendly cloth diapers
• Make your own baby food

Car

• Maintain your car
• Choose remolded or retreaded tires
• Maintain your tires

DIY

• Make your own face wash
• Make your own furniture polish
• Make your own household cleaning supplies
• Make your own soap

Mail

• Hire an organization to get your name off mailing lists
• Ask businesses and organizations you support to send you less mail

Paper

• Read electronically to go paperless
• Become a paperless office
• Print on both sides of the paper
• Read e-books
• Wrap presents in reusable items

Rent or lease

• Rent outdoor gear
• Lease a copier
• Opt for a computer lease plan

Repair or upgrade

• Repair or upgrade before you replace
• Repair your jeans
• Upgrade your computer

Shopping

• Use a reusable shopping bag
• Reuse your paper and plastic shopping bags
• Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste
• Choose eco-friendly packaging
• Choose non-wrapped fruit and vegetables
• Estimate paint coverage using a paint calculator