Helping prisoners get a legal education benefits them and the world, says African Prison Project founder Alexander McLean: They can help their fellow inmates with their legal expertise, and when they’re released, they can help society, too.

Not all plastic are evil, but we could all probably do with a whole lot less. Check out these great ideas — from a googly-eyed trash catcher to a styrofoam substitute made from mushrooms — and learn some small steps you can take right now.