Reverse Course: Your trash causes climate change. Here's how to help : Here & Now Anytime

Americans generate an enormous amount of waste annually, with a significant portion ending up in landfills, exacerbating climate change. In response, citizens across the nation are devising innovative strategies to address this pressing issue.

The construction industry alone contributes over 600 million tons of waste each year in the U.S. Advocates suggest that deconstructing buildings, a process that involves carefully dismantling structures for reuse, can significantly reduce this waste and its environmental impact.

In addition to construction debris, nearly all the clothing produced ultimately finds its way to landfills. Companies are increasingly focusing on creating a "circular economy" for textiles, which emphasizes recycling and repurposing garments to minimize waste.

Moreover, individuals such as Dave and Erin Sheffield are transforming trash into treasure. By engaging in dumpster diving, the couple has built a successful business around scavenging and reselling discarded items, demonstrating that value can be found in what others throw away.

These examples highlight the growing movement towards sustainability and waste reduction in America, illustrating that with creativity and effort, waste management can be approached in ways that benefit both the economy and the environment.