Most people think of recycling when they think of the three Rs.
Reducing our consumption, however, is the most effective way to reduce pollution and lessen our need for incinerators and landfill sites. As organic gardeners, we can help by reusing materials destined for the garbage bin. When starting your seeds, consider using milk, juice or other beverage cartons. Used upright, these cartons are good for tomatoes, which will put out new roots if you cover the stem with soil. Use the cartons sideways, with the spout side cut off, to form a bed to start smaller plants in bunches.