COLUMN: Your garbage is killing us

The U.S. has a garbage problem and no, I’m not just talking about the dudes that post shirtless selfies on Tinder. I’m talking about real garbage, the kind that is overwhelming our landfills and floating in our oceans. While there are some positive trends, overall the problem is continually getting worse, and the most effective way to combat it is to lower our garbage production. We each have a responsibility to find ways to reduce our individual consumption.

The average American generates 4.4 pounds of trash each day, which doesn’t actually sound like a lot. But over the course of a year that sums to more than 1,600 pounds of garbage that, if measured in cubic feet, would be as tall as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And that’s just you! The average American family of four produces more than 6,300 pounds of garbage, roughly the weight of an Asian elephant (or the punchline of a killer “Yo’ Mama” joke). All Americans combined generate 254 million tons of garbage annually, enough trash to stretch to the moon and back 25 times!

We tend to think of overused landfills as a space problem — and it absolutely is — but there’s more to it than that. Chemicals in our garbage that aren’t disposed of properly will seep into the ground, damaging ecosystems and even getting into the water supply. Plastics can take upwards of 500 years to decompose, meaning if a ketchup bottle was dropped by one of the pilgrims on the Mayflower it would still be buried in the ground in Massachusetts today. And even the organic materials that do biodegrade — like food — release methane gas, which makes up a large percentage of the smog you see over Cache Valley each winter, and is a more effective greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

Recycling provides a compelling alternative, and one that more and more Americans are turning to. If you have garbage you should recycle as much of it as possible, especially plastic materials. Be aware, though: each recycling center has different standards regarding what materials it can process, so check with your city. Logan, for example, has a list of accepted materials on its website.

But despite the many benefits of recycling, it’s still not the best option. The only way to truly manage our garbage problem is to simply produce less of it.

That includes purchasing products with recyclable materials, as well as products that avoid needless packaging. Say no to plastic straws, bags and other materials whenever you can, and limit your food waste as much as possible.

As you look for ways to limit overconsumption in your life, you’ll find that there are additional benefits that will affect you personally. Research has found that we receive a burst of dopamine in anticipation of new purchases, an effect that frequently leads to unnecessary consumption. Learning to manage that desire will lead to less waste — both physical and financial — and develop increased self-control.

Overconsumption can also be seen in our desire to match or exceed the lifestyle of those around us. But the emotional gains of new purchases don’t last and often leave us feeling lower than before. Committing yourself to reduce your consumption will make you happier in the long run.

I’m not advocating for tiny houses, empty rooms or a minimalist lifestyle, but I am advocating for conscientious decision-making. Take an inventory of your life and explore what things you truly need in your life. And when you go shopping or are preparing a meal, remind yourself of the negative effects of overconsumption — both for yourself and for the planet.

Thomas Sorenson is a graduate student in the professional MBA program at Utah State. He thinks the New England Patriots making another Super Bowl is also garbage, but that’s a column for a different day.