Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

How to Prevent More Landfills

Landfills are large holes dug into the Earth where trash and other disposable objects are placed. Once a landfill is full, the trash is buried and a new landfill is formed to place additional trash. Preventing new landfills is a challenging task because it requires the cooperation of many individuals, communities and governmental agencies. If each individual household were to try to reduce personal waste, the need for additional landfills would lessen considerably, but everyone would have to do their part for change to occur on a massive scale.

Things You'll Need

Recycling bins

Instructions

- 1
  Buy foods in bulk that do not have heavy packaging. Keep food stored in reusable containers made out of glass or plastic. Carry your own bags to the grocery store to avoid using plastic bags.
- 2
  Compost leftover kitchen scraps by creating a compost bin or pile in your yard. Include both brown and green items, such as dead leaves, grass clippings and vegetable scraps. Add some water and turn the compost regularly to break down the materials as quickly as possible. Do not compost meat scraps.
- 3
  Reuse containers that products came in. Use plastic containers for storage of small items. Reuse aluminum foil and plastic bags after they have been washed and dried.
- 4
  Cancel junk mail and unwanted newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Read news and magazines online if possible, as this reduces the amount of waste that is either thrown away or recycled.
- 5
  Buy long-lasting items, such as electronics, appliances, light bulbs and batteries. Read consumer reports to find out about longevity and spend a little bit more money to avoid throwing them away soon after purchasing.
- 6
  Donate old clothing and books to charity organizations that reuse or resell the items. Avoid throwing away anything that you do not have to throw away, as these items end up in landfills.

Nature