We can have a major impact on the amount of garbage produced in our state by becoming aware of how much we throw out and changing some of our habits about buying and using things.

Environmentally aware consumers are producing less waste by practicing the "3 Rs": Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. They are buying products that are less toxic or contain less packaging, using reusable containers and other reusable items, maintaining and repairing products, participating in recycling programs, and buying products made from recycled materials. The following sites are from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Global Warming and Climate Change in Minnesota:
On a global basis, we know that in recent years the surface of the Earth is warming. Read this introduction to the causes and effects of global climate change in Minnesota, and learn what can be done.

Backyard Composting:
If you have a yard that generates most any kind of green waste, you probably have the right ingredients and enough room to set up your own compost bin. Composting is easy and cheap, you can cut down your household garbage by hundreds of pounds each year, and create a mixture that can be used to improve the soil.

On-site Disposal: Do Not Burn Your Garbage:
For most Minnesotans, it is against the law to burn or bury household wastes - it's been illegal since 1969. Learn more about the risks to the environment and human health of back yard burning of trash; and learn about alternatives.

Reduce Waste: If not you, Who? Campaign:
Visit www.reduce.org to learn how simple it is to reduce waste in your daily routine. Every Minnesotan can make a difference, and it starts with you - if not you, who?

Plug Into Recycling: Recycle Old Electronics:
Information for consumers and businesses about how and why to recycle waste electronics and electrical products.

Buy recycled! Minnesota's Recycled Products Directory:
The searchable Recycled Products database lists quality, locally produced products made from recycled materials.

Minnesota's Consumer Handbook to Reducing Waste:
This is a terrific introduction to things the average person can do to reduce waste, reuse items that are worn but not worn out, and recycle.

Recycle Used Motor Oil and Oil Filters:
Here in Minnesota, recycling used motor oil and oil filters isn't just a good idea - it's the law! Motor oil is very recyclable (it doesn't wear out, but it does get dirty), and it can cause major pollution of the water and soil if improperly disposed.

Let's Get the Lead Out!:
Lead sinkers and jigs pose a unnecessary threat to wildlife like loons and eagles. Learn about lead poisoning and non-lead alternatives for your tackle box.

No-Waste Holiday Ideas:
Reducing waste and giving "green gifts" during the holiday season can be simple. Information and ideas from Anoka County and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency can help.

Recycling in Minnesota:
If you are interested in how Minnesota handles its solid waste, then the annual SCORE REPORT is the place to start. Each year, this report describes developments in the state, and shows the progress Minnesotans have made in reducing and recycling waste. These pages also offer simple searches of historical recycling and waste disposal data.

Second Helping: How to recycle your gently used cast-offs:
This article offers up ways for consumers to get unwanted, but still perfectly good, things into the hands of people who want, need and will value them? (Reprint of an article in the Star Tribune.)

America Recycles Day: November 15th:
America Recycles Day is an annual, nationwide awareness event that encourages people to recycle and to buy recycled products. Recycled products are high-quality, proven products that perform as well as their non-recycled counterparts. By using recycled materials, the manufactures of recycled products create less pollution and use less energy.

For more information on recycling in Sibley County: www.co.sibley.mn.us

For more information on recycling in McLeod County: www.co.mcleod.mn.us

For more information on recycling in Renville County: www.co.renville.mn.us

Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency