Recycling at Home – Keep it Simple!

With the recent turn of the economy there has been a lot of attention on money and saving money. My family has been no exception. But I’ve also found that living more simply has a direct correlation to living green – and that simply put – makes me feel good!

Check out earth911.com (it’s also listed in my blogroll on the right). This is a great site that not only serves as a directory for how and where to recycle everyday items from glass, to paper, to electronics but also gives tips on living green.

If you don’t have curbside pick-up for recycling you can still do your part to help recycle. Chances are that a nearby school or church is a collection site for select recyclables such as paper or aluminum. Start by recycling those items only. It’s a small commitment that can make a big impact. Tell your neighbors and offer to drop off their paper or aluminum cans too!

Keeping the recyclables organized can be confusing and messy. First, if your recycling center doesn’t require you to sort your items, don’t! Save yourself the time – many recycling centers have machines that do this. In our pantry at home we have two tall kitchen waste bins – one for trash and one for recycling. How do we know which is which? The one on the Right is for Recycling. Notice the two R’s?! That’s how we remember – It’s right to recycle – cheesy but it works. Fortunately we have curbside pick-up and we don’t have to sort it (we’re spoiled!). But there are many items that you can buy to help keep items sorted. The below item is from the Container Store for only $19.99 and is made of 20% recycled plastic material. This is great for newspapers, magazines, or small items like cans, or small plastic food containers. If you use this for food containers, I’d suggest lining the bottom with a plastic bag to keep it clean!

The Container Store - Recycling Stacking Bin

Using an item that allows you to sort and store the recyclables in a way that is clean is key. Ideally you’d want to be able to insert a plastic garbage bag to keep the entire unit you purchase clean and allow for easier transportation of the recycled goods. When you drop off your recyclables, ask to keep the bag if it’s still in good condition – you can continue to reuse it. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! For nearly endless storage options, check out kitchenrecyclebins.com. There are many options for sorting so it’s easy for everyone in the family to get involved.