"FYI – it is possible to use worms to eat veggies, coffee grounds and such in an apartment setting. Off the shelf worm bins are available to do the job. Suggest you check out the possibilities and provide an update."

For information regarding indoor worm composting, you can check out the following resources:

NYC Composts…With or Without Worms: http://www.onearth.org/node/1408

Composting with Redworms: http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/Redwormsedit.htm

Vermicomposting: http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/vermi.htm

It's just my husband and me but many times we only throw out one bag of garbage a week. Love that composting and recycling!

I enjoyed your column, but I do have a couple of comments. If you buy a large toothpaste, it lasts an awfully long time (for me at any rate). Buying in larger containers may make more sense to many people than making their own toothpaste which isn't exactly tasty.

Coffee filters can be composted, as can soap wrappers and, indeed, most papers. (They need to be shredded, which in large commercial piles, will happen pretty automatically.

Fish and meat scraps can be composted (contrary to what most books say) — the trick is to make sure they're not left where they attract animals. I'm happy to see that at least some communities are now allowing them into municipal compost piles. In fact, they supply much needed nitrogen to the compost.

I tried to stop as many catalogs, etc. as I could but apparently the manufacturers won't listen to the pleas — even those who had signed up on the do not send list seem to have changed their mind. I've been able to stop a few but the rest keep coming. Perhaps an organized boycott of those manufacturers?

I'm not as careful as you, although I'm pretty good, but I do get discouraged while I'm drying my washed plastic bags for reuse, and thinking about those folks driving Hummers and building 20,000 square foot houses. I think that for many people, it's hard to keep swimming against that big current of consumerism, and wondering if their efforts are worth it. (some words of encouragement?)

2)Compost. Get a small Rubbermaid container, dark lid/body. Add worms, hamster bedding. Drop your compost in. Fits on the balcony, no excuses.

Regarding the comment about powdered laundry detergent, I dilute mine down with warm water first and then put in the detergent well in my washer. I'm still able to use cold water and get a excellent washing. The brand that I use, doesn't recommend that, I've just instituted that process, for myself.
Also, here's my post on generating less waste:
http://www.goodngreen.org/2009/11/show-thanks-with-less-waste.html#links

I will definitely do a piece on worm bins in the future given the interest. (Still not for me personally, though. I don't have enough plants to make use of the compost, or enough neighbors of the type who would. Waiting for an NYC composting program instead. The city experimented with it once and found it too expensive, but I have hopes for the future given the programs now being tried in other cities.)

Re box wine — when I was in Baja visiting the gray whales, the expedition leaders served it every night, and I certainly found it good in those circumstances. My current wine store, which specializes in natural and artisanal products, sometimes promotes a box wine from Spain. I will try it!

I love the suggestion of making my own wine, but it's truly pie-in-the-sky for me.

Re laundry powder and water temperature — there are "all-temperature" brands, such as Biokleen's All-Temperature Citrus Laundry Powder. Whatever brand is used, it's important to dissolve it in the water before putting in the clothes.

I've just looked up the Aveda recycling program for plastic bottle tops and it seems to be just for schools. I will call to see about drop-off by individuals. I'd also like to know what happens to the caps after they're collected.

Lastly, re bulk buying — I agree this is the way to go if (a)you will actually use all you buy; and (b)you do your shopping by car. I shop by foot so it's impractical. On the positive side, I save the gas.

– Sheryl