Celebrate America’s National Recycle Day

November 15th of each year.

1. Reduce – This may be the hardest to adopt. Minimizing how many resources we consume is the foundation for living a greener lifestyle. What are some ways to help reduce waste?

• Turning off lights when you’re not using them and use energy efficient light bulbs.
• Check to see if your power companies offers energy efficient usage plans and energy saving tips.
• Shut down your work computer at the end of every day.
• Do away with running water while you’re brushing your teeth.
• Buy products that contain environmentally friendly packaging.
• Instead of buying something you’re not going to use very often, see if you can borrow it from someone you know.
• Try to reduce car use by carpooling, taking a bus, roller blading, riding a bike or walking.
• Use a computer. Many newspapers and magazines are online now.  Print only what you need.
• Opt out of getting junk mail that you just throw away.

Reducing helps conservation efforts, decreases landfill waste and energy use which results in a cleaner environment. Striving for better choices helps conserve our natural resources.

2. Reuse – Can you repair something damaged? Can you donate something you’re finished with? Before you “trash” something, think of how you might get more out of it.

• Use silverware and dishes that can be cleaned and reused instead of plastic-ware, Styrofoam or paper plates that get thrown away.
• Store food in reusable containers.
• Metal cans and plastic containers can be used for storing items.
• Donate clothes, furniture, toys and “garage sale items” that didn’t sell.
• Turn old shirts into pajamas or cleaning rags.
• Some supermarkets recycle plastic shopping bags. Turn yours in. Better yet, bring your own cloth shopping bags for your groceries.
• Many junk removal companies donate items to charities, repair items, and recycle.

3. Recycle – Make new products out of old products and buy products that contain recycled materials. Recycling reduces the amount of garbage thrown away by 25%-50%.

• Composting kitchen waste is healthy for the soil therefore enhancing plants in your landscaping and less waste will go into the landfill.
• Check your state’s Department of Environmental Quality for recycling programs.
• Check to see if your city has a recycling program you can participate in and ask for a list of what they recycle.

Check out websites dedicated to going green. The Green Guide Tree Hugger The Daily Green Going Green

Best wishes in your attempts to master the art of being green.