Living Green: The Missing Manual

Reducing: Doing More with Less

Whether your goal is zero waste or just sending less garbage to the landfill, a way to start is by reducing the amount of stuff in your life. Think about it: The less that comes into your house, the less gets thrown out. This section focuses decluttering, cutting back on packaging, and keeping out junk you don't want in the first place.

Clearing Out Clutter

An important first step in cutting down waste is changing your attitude toward stuff, which may be harder than you think. Most people in developed countries own far more things than they actually use, need, or even want. If old clothes, kitchenware, knickknacks, magazines, and other items are crammed into your closets or piled up in the basement, it's time to give yourself a little breathing room. If you're storing perfectly good items that you'll never use (or use again), you're cluttering up your life and keeping other people from having those things. Sell, donate, or recycle stuff you're not using to free up space and simplify your life.

The best way to attack clutter is one area at a time, so you don't feel overwhelmed. Cleaning out one closet or one junk drawer will give you one more decluttered space—and a sense of accomplishment. To get started, grab four boxes (three if you aren't planning on selling any of your cast-offs), and label them:

• Give away. This box is for items you'll donate to charity, give to friends or relatives, or simply hand to the first person who wants them. (Donate it has ...