365 Earth Days
in a Year
Innovative ways to recycle
It's probably safe to say that most of us at least make some effort at
recycling these days - tossing glass and plastic into the recycling bins,
or binding old newspapers and paper bags for green pick up on garbage
day.
But how good are we, really, about reducing and/or reusing what would
otherwise be waste? Here are some ideas to help you get more creative
in your recycling and to perhaps make you think twice the next time you
go to throw something away. Remember, today's trash could become tomorrow's
treasure and you can save money, too. Think tax write-offs, less spent
on stationary and gardening supplies, and much more!
Donate your trash
Many schools and churches will gladly accept your old milk and egg cartons,
large cardboard boxes and magazines. They may also take your old computers,
printers, print cartridges and cell phones. Be sure to call first to
find out about their policy and needs, but don't be afraid to suggest
new ways for them to use something that would otherwise be destined for
a landfill. An organization might not even know they could use something
until they hear your great idea. You may be able to claim tax write-offs
on many larger ticket items, such as computer equipment, but be sure
to get a receipt and to check with your tax advisor.
Get gardening
If you do any gardening you can certainly reuse many common household
items. Start seeds in yogurt containers or egg cartons. Or grow plants
in clear plastic soda bottles with the tops cut off. Kids love being
able to see the plant's roots (actually, it's pretty nifty for grown-ups,
too). Write on old Popsicle sticks with permanent marker to remind yourself
where you've planted seeds and seedlings in the garden. And while you're
at it, start a compost pile. You'll be amazed by how much of your kitchen
and yard waste can be turned into nutrient-rich soil for your plants.
Plastic Bags No More
The best answer to "Paper or plastic?" at the supermarket is
to say, "Neither," holding out your own reusable cloth bag.
Chances are, however, that we will all be caught at some time running
into the market without our cloth bags. The debate between paper and
plastic is too involved to get into here, but what you can do to help
is reuse the bags you get. Put your old newspapers in paper grocery bags
before setting them out for recycling, and use those paper bags to wrap
any packages you need to mail. Use the plastic bags to line small garbage
cans. Store extra bags right in the bottom of the trash can so you'll
always have them on hand.
Paper Trials
Some unsolicited mail will inevitably still get through to most mailboxes,
however. So, if you do get it, instead of throwing it away, re-use it.
The backs of those envelopes are a great place to write your grocery
shopping list. Leave the content of the envelope inside and you'll have
a firm surface to write on as you shop.
Always shred anything that has your name and address on it for your protection,
but then use the shredded paper as packing material whenever you need
to ship something, or put some of it in that compost pile.
Don't just throw out junk mail that has a blank side or computer paper
that has printed wrong. Cut this and other scrap paper into quarters
and put it by the phone for jotting down messages and notes.
These ideas may seem simple and small, but it's the little things that
add up to big changes, so try to improve your personal recycling with
a bit of imagination today!
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