For those with a garden, taking a corner for a compost pile can reduce your garbage still further. We throw away about 10% of the food we buy and most of it can be turned into excellent soil with very little effort.

Most garden supply companies sell ready-made compost bins or you can build your own. The optimal size is about 4 feet wide, long and tall. Into the bin goes all the fruit and vegetable matter that would otherwise go in the trash. Also, leaves and grass clippings, for those who don't want to haul it to the curb.

Meat, bones, fat, grease and dairy products should NOT be composted. They don't decompose well and tend to attract various furry creatures on a feeding frenzy. Pet wastes may introduce disease organisms into your compost and should not be added to the pile.

Turn the pile over once in awhile, making sure it is moist, and soon you will have created rich black soil suitable for planting most anything.