More on the history of how we got where we are - environmentally speaking. 

  Birth of the EPA.

We created our dilemma with the Industrial Revolution. We mass produced goods; they became less and less expensive; more convenient; and disposable was the word of the day. Since the paper plate and plastic forks hit the mass market in the 1960s, our waste generation has gown by leaps and bounds. We have been a disposable society since then. We have changed from a more rural existence where we made our clothes, raised animals for food and grew and canned our own veggies - to one where we buy everything we consume - food, clothing, electronics, etc. Add population changes at an exponential increase and consumption begins to exceed sustainability.

Planned Obsolescence is an example of how we have to change our thinking. Electronics, as an example, need to become repairable again.  We don't repair things anymore - we just toss it and go get a new one. Companies jump to manufacture the latest gizmos with the latest technological advances without much forethought to transitions or outdated equipment. Take Back programs are now in vogue. But how about making these items simply last longer? 

Change the way you think and act. Consumerism is the other side of the coin. Economic results from the second quarter of 2007 show soft goods were 20.5% of our personal consumption. Durable goods were only 7.8%. Soft goods are those intended for one use or less than three years of operation. Our economy depends on people spending money for goods and services. Perhaps the shift should be toward more durable goods and away from soft goods. We can't do without soft goods though, they include food and surgical supplies!