According to the Duke University's Center for Sustainability & Commerce, the average American generates 4.3 pounds of waste per day. Now multiply that by our population of 318.9 million. That's an inconceivable 1,371,270,000 pounds a year!

Some environmentally conscious folk have vowed to put an end to their landfill contribution through the zero waste movement. Each person that does so reduces waste by about 1,596.5 pounds per year. Some of the most notables include Lauren Singer of Trash is for Tossers and Bea Johnson of Zero Waste Home. Bea's secret is to "Refuse, Reduce, Recycle, Rot (and only in that order)." This methodology has allowed both to fit their year's waste into a mason jar!

These women and the others of this movement are an inspiration. Elimination feels a little unattainable for the general public, but why not strive toward it? We can all aim for some waste reduction in our lives. What are some of the easiest ways? Here are some simple switches to get you going!

Stop Using Plastic Bags

Start Using Reusable Bags

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services states that a plastic bag takes 10-20 years to decompose in the environment. According to the Earth Policy Institute, "worldwide, a trillion single-use plastic bags are used each year." Divided by the estimated 7.4 billion inhabitants, that's a little more than 135 plastic bags per person each year. That's about a plastic bag used each two to three days per person. A reusable bag costs 99 cents at Meijer. Go buy some! Plastic bags aren't necessary. Reusable bags can handle your groceries, clothes, and life's carrying needs, plus they break much less easily.

Stop Using Plastic Disposable Water Bottles

Start Using Reusable Water Bottles

Plastic water bottles take much longer to decompose than plastic bags; according to NH DES, 450 years. Most of these plastic bottles can't actually be recycled, so they're overflowing landfills. And if you remember Bea's words of wisdom -- reduce and reuse before recycling. There's a reason for that. Why consume and produce something that doesn't have to be? This is another unnecessary waste. Plastic reusable bottles are one option, but plastic will always end up in a landfill. Glass or stainless steal is a better option and looks quite classy if I do say so myself. Check out www.lifewithoutplastic.com for some options. Keep in mind: this will actually end up saving you money. It's a one-time purchase as opposed to tons of disposable water bottles, and it also reduces your potential exposure to harmful chemicals.

Stop Throwing Out Paper

Paper Is Reusable and Recyclable!

Let's follow Bea's steps. First, refuse. You do not need to accept a bunch of flyers. You can eliminate some junk mail. You can go paperless for bills. You can use online resources. Second, reduce. Buy recycled notebooks. Make sure you use duplex printing whenever possible. A sheet with one incorrect word does not need to be tossed. Use white out. You don't need to print off a bunch of copies. Do some proofreading on the computer. Proofread meticulously so paper won't be wasted. Keep organized at the office so tons of sheets of paper aren't reprinted and thrown out. Is this really necessary to print? Third, reuse. Make scrap paper for grocery lists, reminders, to do lists. Use the back sides of paper. I reuse a lot of paper to cover the ground when I paint. Line the litter box. Do paper mache crafts. Get creative! Then fourth, recycle.

These are three very easy things to accomplish, which will significantly lower your waste contribution. It's a great start to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and a happier earth. They're super easy, everyday things that can make a difference, so do it! Make a difference!