It has become second nature for me and my family to recycle as much of our waste as possible. Prior to starting to recycle we could easily throw away 3-4 bags of trash per week. A lot has changed since those days. We canceled our trash pick up service and we recycle weekly. We went from 3 to 4 bags of trash a week to about that much per month. We still have quite a ways to go. It is my goal to have 1 bag of waste for an entire month! Have you ever thought about recycling? I suggest you start small, like with eliminating/reducing your plastic consumption. Following are a few easy steps to help you get started:
Carry reusable bags with you to the grocers. If you forget your bags, choose paper over plastic. If paper is not an option, take plastic and reuse them and/or bring them back to the grocery store. Most stores now have bins to collect the plastic bags. Keep in mind that reusable bags can be used anywhere you shop not just the grocery store; the mall/department stores, the farmers market, the pharmacy, etc.
Kick the plastic water bottle habit. Instead, purchase a good reusable bottle; one made of glass or stainless steel. This move will be both good for the environment and your health. The soft plastic that water bottles is made from can leach chemicals into the water.
Use plastic-free containers where possible. Purchase or store items in glass or stainless-steel containers.
Recycle plastics. Clear plastic bottles, bottles for shampoos, soaps, and reusable food containers are most times good candidates for recycling. Disposable cutlery, coffee cups and lids are not. Be sure to check with your local recycle center. The centers collect different types of plastic.
Start small and with a plan but do start. We generate a lot of waste. Most of it ends up in landfills. Recycling keeps a good bit of the waste out of the landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Create a new habit of recycling. This is one that the entire family can get in on. It is a win-win for all.
Teresa