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Simply giving a second life to what you already own can help to reduce greenhouse gases. Go beyond recycling. You can make the choice to reduce, reuse, recycle, and respond. That includes reducing the amount of trash we discard, reusing containers and other products, recycling household materials and compost, and responding to the problem of solid waste disposal with changes in our preferences and buying habits. Don’t throw out items unnecessarily—consider repairing or repurposing what you have. If you need to dispose of things, donate them to charity. Compost yard waste, grass clippings, food scraps, and coffee grounds.

“Passed down from my relatives” doesn’t have to be a bad thing. This well-worn mantel, table, and chair lend tremendous character and style and don’t add to any landfills.

When shopping, check places such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, garage sales, Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, and even Grandma’s house for previously owned products. You’ll save money and might end up with high-quality household items. When purchasing new products, look for green choices such as solid wood furniture, rechargeable batteries, and eco-friendly cleaners. A home with less clutter is likely to be less harmful to the environment.