First, the most important thing that we can do is reduce the amount of garbage that we throw away.

Some people even try to have “zero waste”. We can do that if we make better choices about what we buy and how we do things. For example, I use a thermos to take my coffee to work, so I'm not using or throwing away any paper cups.

My friend Mary likes to drink water. She could buy water every day and throw bottles in the recycling bin. Instead she saves money and reduces waste by bringing a reusable water bottle from home.

You can reduce waste, too. Next time you wash your hands and you have a choice between an electric dryer and a paper towel, use the electric dryer. You won't be creating any waste and you will have “zero waste” to throw away.

When things we buy are not available in a reusable container, the best choice is to buy them in recyclable containers like bottles, for example. When the bottle is empty we recycle it along with the other plastic bottles we get when we buy milk and juice.

When products are recycled they are taken to a factory where they are used to make new products. Old aluminum cans are recycled into new cans, old boxes are recycled into new boxes, and plastic bottles can be recycled into clothing.

Always remember to buy only what you are able to use up, reuse what you can or give to someone else who can, and recycle everything possible. Doing these things will greatly reduce the amount of waste you throw away, helping us get closer to our goal of “zero waste”.