Recycling/Trash

If you haven't seen the 20-minute video called "The Story of Stuff" by Annie Leonard, you should take the time to watch it. The Story of Stuff tells how "We" here in the US have become a society of over-consumers. And have not only have we used up our own natural resources and are going overseas to use up other nations resources. It also shows how we are polluting our environment and drinking water sources with industrial by-products and running out of landfill space with the massive amounts of trash we produce.

Did you know the average American produces 4.5-5 pounds of garbage a day? That's twice as much as 30 years ago. Let me ask you a question. When you throw something away, were is "away". Think about the time it will take for that garbage to breakdown. What if your trash company charged you by the pound? I bet you'd come up with ways to reduce the amount of garbage you produce pretty quickly.

Reduce/Recycle/Re-purpose.

Reduce the amount raw materials you consume by purchasing products that have recycled content. There is a difference between recycled and post-consumer recycled products. Recycled paper typically is paper that is made from the left-overs from the paper manufacturing process. It is usually virgin paper and it diverts waste from the landfills. Post-consumer recycled paper is paper that is made from another paper product (ie: office paper, newspapers). The higher the recycled content, the better. Also choose products that have less packaging. For example, if you are going to purchase a new mouse for your computer, choose the one that has the least amount of packaging (meaning their will be less to throw away or recycle once you get it home). Take re-usable shopping bags to the grocery store and drugstore.

Composting is another good way to reduce household trash and it's a free source of nutrient rich materials to add to vegetable gardens, lawns and landscaping.

Participate in local recycling programs designed for paper, metal cans and plastics

Re-purposing something can be as simple as donating it to charity or using old kitchen cabinets as garage storage. Think before you throw it out. Habitat for Humanity has a great retail centers in many locations across the county. It's called ReStore, where they sell overstock or donated building materials, paint and furnishings. They also accept donations of these items. Freecycle.org is another great re-purposing resource.