Put pressure on manufacturers to streamline packaging, which accounts for a large part of municipal waste in many countries. Many products are overpackaged with needless plastic wraps and cardboard padding. Work to get fair laws passed that force industry to move toward solving the waste problem without the most vulnerable consumers bearing the burden of higher prices. This could include legislation on minimum standards for durability. Help change consumers' attitudes toward recycled goods and encourage repairing rather than replacing items whenever possible.
Consumer groups can approach the solid waste issue from many angles, but one thing is clear.
Much more needs to be done to reduce the mountains of rubbish that we now largely put out of sight, out of mind, underground.