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(MS) - Part of going green is reducing the amount of waste you generate in the course of daily life.

A good portion of the population has grown accustomed to a disposable mentality, merely tossing items into the trash when they no longer meet their needs, even if these items are not yet past their prime.

Sometimes the discarding of items is based upon the supposed health risks with continued use. Case in point, the kitchen sponge.

Sponges are workhorses in the kitchen, scouring silverware, plates and glasses that do not end up in the dishwasher.

However, the average kitchen sponge can contain up to a million more germs than a toilet seat - even though the sponge continually comes in contact with soap and water.

As a result, people tend to discard a number of sponges per month.

Since many sponges are made with plastics, a lot of trash is being generated that may not decompose in landfills. However, you can prevent waste and germs at the same time.

Simply wring out the sponge after washing it and microwave it for 30 to 60 seconds. The microwave will zap the germs.