(MCT)—Who really wants to contribute to our growing landfills? There are things we toss away everyday that make up the bulk of our trash and they don’t even belong in our garbage bins. Here are my Top 7 ways to be less trashy so you can get started today.
1) Recycle That Paperboard!
Paperboard is the thin cardboard packaging that holds so many of the items we buy—think cereal boxes, packaging for toys, and even tissue boxes. Nearly all curbside recycling programs accept paperboard but many won’t accept pizza boxes. Why? That paperboard generally contains greasy food residue that is not good for the recycling process.
2) Paper Is Valuable
Do you recycle all the paper that comes into your home? You know—school work, junk mail, magazines and the like? Remember, ALL paper is recyclable and that includes colored paper and those envelopes with the plastic window. The general rule for paper is that if it’s free of food waste, it can be recycled.
3) Don’t Waste the Leftovers
It might shock you to find out that a third of what goes in our trash bags is food. Instead of letting it go to rot in a landfill, consider composting it instead. Visit DoYourPart.com/Columns for a short video on how to start your own composting routine and create the perfect free food for your lawn and garden.
4) Give Electronics a Second Life
E-waste is the fastest growing disposal problem in this country. Electronics contain heavy metals that are both dangerous and valuable. My go-to websites for electronic buyback programs and qualified recyclers are listed at DoYourPart.com/Columns.
5) Reuse, Reuse, Reuse!
Don’t trash what you can reuse. Whether you turn baby food jars into paint containers, milk cartons into bird feeders, or this year’s holiday cards into next year’s gift tags—there are plenty of ways to get creative with things that might ordinarily wind up in the trash. This goes for sporting equipment, too. There are many shops that specialize in selling gently worn and used items.
6) What Are You (Not) Wearing?
Well cared for clothes hold a lot of value and can be sold to others through consignment shops or online sites such as eBay. If you’re looking to donate them, consider Goodwill, Salvation Army, battered women’s shelters, or Dress for Success programs. And get this; clothes that are torn but not contaminated with chemicals, can still be donated to Goodwill. These items are sold in bulk to clothing recyclers.
7) Don’t Shop For Trash
Think twice before buying items such as paper plates, bottles of water, and food in individual serving sizes. There are less trashy options such as renting or borrowing extra party supplies, buying in bulk, and using reusable containers. That way, those items don’t spend decades waiting to decompose in our landfills.
Throughout the month of February, we are committed to helping you reduce the amount of trash you generate. Visit us at DoYourPart.com or Facebook to start doing your part today!
Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, author, and founder of DoYourPart, everyday green living ideas that are better for you and the planet.
© 2012, Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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