Recycling - Make it easier Part 1 of 2

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Recycling can seem like such a hassle, so how would it fit in on a blog that has set out to help you live a simpler life? I want to share a few things with you that might make it simple enough, you might consider joining me!

1. Start at the store: Try and buy foods and products that have less packaging. The less packaging you bring into your home, the less will end up needing to be recycled or be thrown into the trash. Also, don't forget to bring any reusable bags you may have. (If you do not have any reusable bags, consider paper. If that is not a choice either, there are many places to recycle the plastic bags or you could drop them off at a thrift store, most will gladly accept them).

2. Make it convenient: Instead of keeping the recycling container in the garage, try putting it where the trash can should be. Make recycling easier by keeping the recycle bin close by and have a small bag for trash which could be taken to the garage at the end of the day.

I have also noticed several stores selling multiple compartment trash cans, although sort of pricey, could help with recycling. If you have the money in your budget for it, and the space as well, it could make your efforts quite a bit easier.

3. Opt of out junk mail: I don't know about you, but most of the paper in our house is brought in from the mailbox. Store fliers, credit card offers and magazines come in by the bundle. Not only does this take up a lot of space in my recycle bin, it takes up my time trying to decide what needs to be shreded or tossed or put in my to be read pile.

If you are interested in opting out of junk mail, check out the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse for more information.


4. Stop buying bottled water: Do you purchase a lot of bottled water? Maybe a faucet mounted filtration system could save you a lot of money and help cut down on the waste. If the convenience of taking it with you is key, a reusable bottle may work for you.

5. Make a list: Keep a handy list of things that can and cannot be recycled. If you have to question whether plastic #5 can be recycled, it will probably end up in the trash. You could post this on the inside of a cupboard door or on the side of the container itself, where ever makes it convenient. Recycling Revolution has a decent list of common items that can be recycled, check it out here.

In an effort to keep things short and sweet, tips 6-10 will follow later this week. Even if you cannot make all the changes, every little thing counts. It takes time to develop new habits or routines, and the best thing to remember is to just keep trying.

What tips do you have to make recycling easier or more convenient?

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