There’s no better time to rethink what we toss—and what we keep. Author Brian Belefant, also known as The Sultan of Garbage, is challenging Americans to take a more thoughtful approach to their waste habits with four simple yet powerful tips for responsible consumerism.
Belefant, a former advertising copywriter for major brands like Pepsi, Toyota, and Pizza Hut, uses his creative voice and wit to tackle a serious problem: our growing global waste crisis. In his book The Sultan of Garbage (Atmosphere Press), he mixes storytelling with environmental urgency to drive home a clear message—if we’re not part of the solution, we’re part of the pile.
So what can the average person do to make a difference? Belefant offers four practical suggestions:
1. Repurpose Creatively
Recycling is more than tossing bottles in the blue bin. Belefant urges people to embrace DIY repurposing. Egg cartons can be seed starters. Glass jars make great storage.
2. Create Free Piles
In Belefant’s Portland neighborhood, residents regularly place unwanted household items on the curb as “free piles.” Neighbors or passersby are welcome to take anything they can use. “Even broken toasters might be useful to someone who repairs electronics,” he explains. If nothing’s taken within a few days, then it’s time to discard responsibly.
3. Donate Before You Dump
That old coffee maker or jacket could make someone else’s day. Belefant suggests slowing down before trashing anything.
4. Be a Mindful Shopper
Perhaps the most important step? Think before you buy. Belefant recommends asking yourself: Do I really need this?
As recycling rates continue to lag—with only 9% of plastic being properly recycled, according to the Sustainable Agency—it’s clear we need more than a bin to solve the problem. We need a shift in mindset.