Humans are the biggest waste producers on the planet. We are rapidly destroying the environmental systems that sustain us. The good news is, it's not too late! Nowadays sustainability is the buzz and communities around Otago are working together to resolve the waste issues in our region. The Waste Hierarchy helps us understand what we can do to change things. The earlier in the process we act, the more we can divert from the landfill. Community groups usually start small, reusing goods through your local 'dump shop' or running a recycling drop off centre. They also do a lot of lobbying for change, encouraging producers to redesign products and consumers to think before they buy.   There's things you can do at home and at work today to reduce your waste, keeping Otago beautiful and creating meaningful jobs in the process.