Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Obviously, the best way to curb pollution, human and animal exploitation is to reduce consumption. Keep what you have for as long as you can or trade with your friends if you love change. Find alternatives to shopping as entertainement: Take trips to the Watershed Nature Center , ride or walk on our bike paths or take art classes.

If you must produce waste, however, here are some suggestions that might cut down on some of the damages of consumption.

Buy in Bulk
Buy containers to store items and then buy in bulk. Not only is buying in bulk better for cutting down waste, it is also cheaper.

Compost
Landfill liners that prevent leaching also prevent food from breaking down. It's better, then, to comopost your food scraps.

Recycle
Edwardsville and Glen Carbon have curb-side recycling yet many people do not take advantage of this program. Call Allied Waste to get a recyling bin. What can you recycle with Allied? Check here. They are making it easier and easier to recycle.

You can also recycle hair dryers, backpacks, shoes, clothes, etc. In fact, almost anything can now be recycled. You can post items on Craigslist to give away items you no longer need or try St. Louis Recyling Program to find out where to bring your goods.

Computers and other electronics often have toxic substances inside them so throwing them away can create harm to our water supply. Take the time to dispose of those objects with care.

Other hazardous waste includes batteries (of any size), flourescent light bulbs (which have mercury), paint, pesticides, many cleaning solvents, etc. Local places that accept batteries are Sears Hardware and Home Depot. Home Depot also accepts CFC lightbulbs (flourescents). Other hazardous recycling sites can be found here.