Reducing waste is the best way to avoid it. By creating less waste, there is less waste created, duh.
The biggest factor in the concept of Going Green is making it a personal effort to make the world a better place. It does begin with you. And then you feel strongly enough about protecting the environment that you inspire someone else to change their practices. Then things can get done. The world provides you with life, the least you could do in return is not leave it a mess.