The average American throws away four pounds of garbage a day. But with a little effort, you can whittle your waste way down.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A compost heap
Reusable shopping totes
Recycling bins

Step 1: Avoid packaging

Vote with your wallet: purchase goods with little or no packaging. Avoid buying food with unnecessary wrapping—especially Styrofoam or plastic—such as pre-packaged fruits and vegetables.

Tip: Whenever possible, buy in bulk—you’ll save money and the planet.

Step 2: Start a compost

Instead of throwing out coffee grounds, eggshells, tea bags, and produce scraps, save them in a bucket near your garbage can and periodically add them to a backyard compost.

Tip: Some cities offer curbside pickup for compost-friendly food and yard scraps.

Step 3: Save on bags

Ask the cashier not to double-bag. Better yet, bring your own reusable totes.

Step 4: Recycle

Recycle as much glass, paper, and plastic as you can.

Step 5: Limit take out

Limit take-out food, which is very packaging-intensive.
If you do order take-out, find a way to re-use the packaging.
That’s it — 5 easy ways to reduce your garbage output.