Wake of waste diminishing

Last year, my husband received the new version of Kindle, the "electronic" book and media device. For those of you unfamiliar, this device allows you to download books, magazines, newspapers, etc., and then "read" it on your Kindle device. It utilizes wireless free of charge and you can get new media basically anywhere you have cell phone service.
So, instead of walking to your driveway for the Sunday paper, you can stay in bed and simply download the paper onto your Kindle. And, instead of checking your mailbox for your monthly magazines, you download them on your Kindle. Need another book? Just shop, purchase and download a new one all within minutes!

I was thinking about how awesome this gadget was and it occurred to me how much of an impact it will make to reduce the use of paper. Again. I mean, look at how the computer changed things. Before Al Gore invented the internet (kidding!), it was unthinkable that computers would reduce paperwork and subsequent paper waste. I now pay most of my bills through my online bank and receive most billing and statements via email. The only mail I receive these days is junk mail or the occassional card from Grandma. (Thanks, Grandma!)

Another interesting waste reduction event happened recently at our home. Our city mandated the use by all residents, of a specific trash service. With this new trash service company, we were given three barrels. One large one for "recyclables", one medium one for "compostables" and one small one for trash. Because the trash barrel was so small, we were forced to recycle more. Previously we had one large barrel for trash and a small bucket for recycleables, and we had to sort the recycleables too. Our new system made it much easier for us to recycle! Plus, we now have a barrel for compostables such as grass clippings and biodegradable food wastes, etc.

Now dont get me wrong, we are not what would be considered a "green" household. Much to our power-and-fume-free-push-lawnmower-neighbors shagrin, my husband still mows the lawn with a riding lawn mower. But it is graditfying to say we are reducing waste in more ways than one!

How have you reduced waste in your household?