Waste is something that you might not really concern yourself with. When we throw out something - whatever it is - well that is normally the end of it for us. We don't really worry about where it ends up. The way that garbage is processed helps to promote this kind of attitude that we have towards waste. We don't really see the places where they process the trash. Its final resting place, so to speak - is also kept from the public eye. This lack of knowledge can be a source of problem in the near future and some argue that it already is a problem for us. Whatever the case is, it is clear that we need to take action right now about the amount of waste that we produce. If you still need some convincing, then here are some of the reasons why we need to reduce the amount of waste that we generate: • Waste takes up space and so even if it is thrown away properly; it would still end up somewhere, eating up valuable space. • Some waste materials contain hard metals and minerals that can poison the environment. An example of that is electronic waste that has hard metal components. • If there are wastes that can be harmful to the environment, then they can be harmful to human health as well. • Waste disposal costs a great deal. With those reasons, it's hard not to be convinced about the value of waste reduction. Here are some useful steps that you can do. 1. One of the first and easiest steps that you can take in reducing the waste that you produce from your household is by reducing the amount of packaging waste that you have. On a municipal level, about a third of all waste produced is made up of discarded packaging. You can reduce that by purchasing stuff that has less or even no packaging material to it. 2. Mercury is a metal that is highly toxic to humans and it can contaminate the surroundings very easily. This is the reason why you should be careful about buying products that contain mercury in it. The best way is not to buy those products at all, but if you have them already then you should be careful about the way that you throw them away. 3. A study has shown that Americans waste over 40% of their food. That is a shameful fact considering that parts of the world are still going hungry. You should do you part and only purchase food that you need. 4. Cleaning products are some of the most toxic chemicals that many of us would be exposed to, yet we think of nothing about using them. Be careful with the use of these products and the way that you discard their containers. 5. A large amount of paint is wasted each year and what's disheartening is that most of that is still usable. If you have excess paint, try to find some other use for it before you try to get rid of it.