Before throwing anything away, I’ve first been asking myself if it can be used again. I’ve found that there are a lot of reusable items that are normally thrown away after the first use. Disposable cups can be rinsed and used again. Water bottles can be refilled. Jars can be used for storage. Even coffee jackets can be used another time or two. After a while, figuring out creative ways to reuse items becomes not only second nature but fun. Every little bit helps.

I did, however, find that I usually end up collecting empty containers and other items—not wanting to throw them away but don’t have immediate use for them. This is not a problem, of course, because I just recycle the items when I have more than enough.