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Available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Powell's and other online retailers.

You want to reduce the amount of waste you generate but aren’t sure where to begin.

Perhaps you are concerned about:

  • The growing threat of plastic in our oceans

  • A culture that emphasizes convenience over saving resources

  • The effect of excess consumption on future generations

You may wonder whether it matters which bin you use.

Doesn’t it all go to the same place anyway?

Isn’t it the garbage hauler’s job to sort it and make sure the recyclable items get recycled?

Not entirely, which is why your actions can make a difference.

“This well-researched guide clears up the many myths and mysteries of what happens to the nearly 8 pounds of trash we Americans each create daily.” —James Dillehay, author of Start a Creative Recycling Side Hustle

“If you're looking for a resource that demystifies what actually happens to the things we throw away, Rethink the Bins is for you. Goldstein's compelling writing style inspires hopefulness and action.”—Moji Igun, Founder of Blue Daisi Consulting

“Finally, a book on waste reduction for realists!” —Summer Hanson, Co-owner of Eco Collective

“A helpful, well-written guide to making the most of recycling and composting.” —Kirkus Reviews

Yes, changing habits will take effort, but figuring out what to toss where is not as hard as it might seem.

Rethink the Bins explains recycling and composting, including the reasons behind the ever-changing policies in different cities. The book discusses how to handle ten categories of waste, with strategies for reducing each type.

From the excess packaging that arrives in the mail to necessities like food and clothing, you can rethink what you buy and how you dispose of it.

The book includes 14 worksheets to aid in tracking and controlling trash and recyclables. Write directly in the print edition or download the worksheets from the author’s website.

Rethink the Bins will help you:

  • Understand what happens to waste after the bins leave your curb or building

  • Implement best practices for recycling and composting

  • Feel empowered to start with small changes that make a difference

  • Create SMART goals around waste reduction and recycling

When you're done reading this book and completing the worksheets, you will:

  • Know how to better manage your waste at home and away

  • Feel more confident that the items you toss into recycling and compost bins are actually being recycled or composted

You may have walked down the street and seen recycling bins overflowing with plastic grocery bags and other stuff that doesn’t belong there. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you follow the guidelines in this book and encourage your neighbors to do the same, your streets will be cleaner. And your city will be able to keep hauling away your cans, bottles, and boxes and using them to make new items from recycled materials.

One person or one family can make a tiny difference. Thousands or millions of households doing the same can change the world.

With the help of this practical guide, you can figure out what to toss where. Once you have made changes at home, you will probably want to share the message with your friends and family. Please do!

Let’s pave a path to a less wasteful future and recycling that works!

Praise for Rethink the Bins

“A helpful, well-written guide to making the most of recycling and composting.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This well-researched guide clears up the many myths and mysteries of what happens to the nearly 8 pounds of trash we Americans create daily. The book answers the question, does recycling make a difference? Yes, but you must have the checklists here because they guide you toward actions that really do help the environment. Should be required reading in schools to help future generations embrace a circular economy.” —James Dillehay, author of Start a Creative Recycling Side Hustle

“If you're looking for a resource that demystifies what actually happens to the things we throw away, Rethink the Bins is for you! It's an easily digestible and interactive read. Goldstein's compelling writing style inspires hopefulness and action amid the often confusing task of reducing household waste.” —Moji Igun, Founder of Blue Daisi Consulting

“Finally, a book on waste reduction for realists! Julia demystifies compost and recycling, and her worksheets make this guide personal for you and your area.” —Summer Hanson, Co-owner of Eco Collective

“At a time when we're dumping mountains of food in landfills and filling the oceans with plastic trash, it's clear we need to change how we handle the problem of waste. Rethink the Bins is a great place to start: a clear, practical, and informative guide to the ways our waste systems work -- and don't work. It's a valuable resource for anyone hoping to learn how to leave less trash behind.” —Susan Freinkel, author of Plastic: A Toxic Love Story

Libraries carrying Rethink the Bins

Follow the links to reserve your copy. Don't see your local library listed below? They can order it. Ask your librarian or request the book from your library's website. The libraries listed below may carry the print edition, the eBook edition, or both. If your preferred format isn't available, feel free to request it.

Are you a librarian interested in purchasing? Both books are available through Ingram and Overdrive. I invite you to read the Kirkus Reviews of Rethink the Bins before deciding. Does your library carry one of the books but isn't included on the list? Please contact me and I'll add it.