Recycling Does the Planet Good

Posted on 02-26-2015

You know that recycling is a big part of protecting our planet, and we try to do our part in recycling.  But, I think you will agree that there are things you may not have thought of when it comes to ways to recycle.  Here are some tips to consider before you throw items into the trash.

Look for the recycle logo

If you are purchasing a new item, why not go for something that has been made from recycled material?  These days, you should be able to find an array of recycled products from paper to furniture.  If what you are looking for doesn't come in a recycled form, look for products that can be recycled when you are ready to move on from that purchase.  Remember, this recycling thing only helps our environment when we actually take the time to properly recycle and not just toss in the garbage can.

Forgo the water bottles

Water does the body good, but those plastic bottles do harm to our environment when they end up in landfills and oceans.  Invest in a filtered water pitcher and stock up on to-go cups to keep yourself hydrated.  

Fix it before you toss it

Our society has become used to having things readily available so much so that when something breaks, we may find it easier to buy a new one instead of taking the time to fix what is broken.  If you don't want to take the time to fix somthing, there are people who will.  Consider calling a charity to see if they could use and are willing to fix that broken office chair.  Also, some charities offer free recycling on your electronics.  See if a local flea market has a dealer who would like to take the item off your hands.

Is it shelter worthy?

Don't just throw away soaps that you don't like or paint that is the wrong color.  Box items up that can be used and take to your local homeless shelter or a domestic violence shelter where people are starting from scratch.  Don't like the smell, the color, the sound of something?  There are people who will benefit from those items, but they can't benefit when items are tossed in your trash.

Think like an artist

Boards, cardboard boxes, newspapers...the list is endless in an artist's mind.  Contact a local artist or art school to see if they would like to have your "trash" before you decide to toss it or burn in the outdoor fireplace.  Put an ad on Craigslist in the Free Stuff category.  You would be surprised what one could create from your unwanted items.

Your garbage can should be the last resort when it comes to ridding your home of unwanted items. Our landfills are over-filled, our oceans our harboring undesirable trash that is affecting our sealife.  We can make a difference, and Mother Earth will thank us for the extra effort we take to preserve her.