Contrary to most perceptions, landfills of trash and rubbish are managed in a controlled, airtight environment to avoid uncontrolled biodegradation that can cause groundwater pollution, methane gas emissions, and unstable subsoil conditions.  The latest available figure from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows about 251 million tons of trash were generated in 2012.  At the same time about 87 million tons or 34.5% of trash was recycled or composted, an amount over twice the rate of recycling (including composting) in 1990. About 30% of all the waste comes from containers and product packaging.  Reduction of mummified packaging trash and the switch to recycling and composting saved more than 168 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (more than three times the amount generated by 33 million passenger vehicles) and more than 1.1 quadrillion Btu of energy – the amount consumed by almost 10 million U.S. households a year.  In keeping with its values, the natural product industry takes the need to increase environmental sustainability, reduce negative environmental impact, carbon footprint and decrease waste seriously, and actively participates in packaging practices that are healthier for the planet, animals, and people