The shift toward a more environmentally-friendly way of life is no longer just a fringe ideology. More and more people have taken the initiative to look after the planet in various ways. One of the simplest ways to adopt a more eco-conscious routine is to practice better recycling habits. Not sure where to start? Read on for helpful tips to guide you in the best ways to recycle.
Separate Your Trash
Landfills are more packed than ever with waste, many of which would have otherwise been recyclable, so it’s more important than ever to take steps to ensure you properly sort your waste according to the rules set forth by local guidelines and your regional materials recovery facility. Take a moment to educate yourself as to what should and should not go into your regular trash bin and make sure to educate each member of your household to maintain consistency.
Designate a Few Recycling Bins
There is more to recycling than just separating paper and plastic goods from other waste items. A leading rubbish removal company explains that in addition to a waste bin and a recycling bin, consider adding a compost bin, a glass recycling bin, and a place to store things that may be able to be reused at least once more before being thrown out. Before you set up your bins, make sure you are aware of how to successfully dispose of and recycle your waste when it becomes full.
Recycle Old Papers
Chances are, you have at least a stack or two of papers laying around the house that can be recycled in a number of ways. While these papers can certainly be tossed into the recycling bin, you can also use them to print unimportant documents on both sides of the paper, to take notes during a phone call, to make a grocery list, to shred and use as packing material, or pet cage liners or to make crafts and other creations.
Reuse Your Wares
There’s a large number of goods that you may not be able to recycle in your blue bin. However, you can find your own way to reuse and recycle household objects. Try reusing grocery bags as many times as you can, repurposing food containers and jars to store leftovers, bringing a reusable mug to the coffee shop, using cartons and jugs to propagate or grow plants, or bringing potential craft supplies such as cardboard tubes to a local school who may appreciate them.
Donate Old Goods
Recycling is simply the process of giving something a new life instead of disposing of it. With this in mind, pause the next time you need to throw something away and consider donating it instead. Old electronics end up in landfills all the time. However, through proper channels you can recycle phones, computers, batteries, televisions and tablets can be recycled through the proper channels. There are also many items that are eligible for donation. It may surprise how many household goods can find another place in the world. Old towels and clothes can be dropped off at animal shelters and used for bedding or cleanup tasks, while cardboard boxes can often be taken to schools or other institutions that are able to turn these items for a profit to benefit their operations
Buy Recycled Goods
It’s important to adopt your own at-home recycling practices. However, it’s equally as important to support companies and products that maintain similar practices, too. Whenever possible, purchase the recycled option of whatever you need from the store. There are a number of recycled paper options. In addition, there are recycled dinnerware, bags, home goods, packaging supplies, and even apparel.
If you’re not sure whether something has been recycled or not, look for labels. Many items signify whether it’s been recycled or how much of the product is derived from recycled materials. Even a small percentage of recycled material is better than nothing.
Author: Finnegan Pierson
