Categories: Quick Tips

Friday Quickie: Challenge Yourself to Reduce your Trash

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

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

Share
Published by
Julie Hancher

Recent Posts

Midterm election results, climate preparedness toolkit, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Environmental changemakers celebrated at SustainPHL 2026 Awards. Green…

3 days ago

More than just rain: Understanding South Jersey’s flooding problem

Communities need to prepare to avoid future disasters. This story was originally published by South…

4 days ago

Here are the SustainPHL 2026 Award Recipients

Meet the latest changemakers to take home the awards At a time when sustainability is…

6 days ago

Vigil for Academy, Indigenous garden restoration & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Activists hold march and vigil for Academy of…

1 week ago

Energy and restoration grants, bird migration & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Temporary bike lane closer to permanent status. Councilmember…

2 weeks ago

Op-ed: Dinosaurs may be extinct. But the Academy of Natural Sciences doesn’t have to be.

The Academy of Natural Sciences survived for more than two centuries. Now, its future depends…

2 weeks ago