Offices and schools can be enormous producers of waste, particularly paper. Every year 3.8 million acres (1.5 million hectares) of U.S. forests are clear cut to meet Americans' insatiable demand for wood pulp

Waste reduction and recycling are two ways to reduce the amount and toxicity of trash created. Offices can implement environmentally friendly policies for everything from purchasing to packaging.

Offices also face the growing problem of so-called e-waste. More and more electronic products are consumed every year. This has caused a dangerous explosion in electronic scrap containing toxic chemicals and heavy metals that cannot be disposed of safely. Computers and other products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.

As many as half of all U.S. schools suffer from indoor air quality problems. Asthma affects more than six million American children, who miss a total of 14 million school days per year as a result of asthmatic attacks. By cleaning with less toxic ingredients, eliminating mold in ducts, and removing carpets wherever possible, schools and offices can reduce much of the dust and other allergens that trigger asthma.

In addition, recent efforts have sought to reduce the amount of junk food that schools serve children. Currently, fifteen percent of U.S. children are overweight and likely to grow into overweight or obese adults. Organic gardens can be used to not only promote better eating habits but to teach children about biology and ecosystems.

This article was copied from National Geographic News.