Kermit Was Wrong – It IS Easy Being Green!

We all want to do our share to help preserve our environment. Some of us just aren’t sure what we can do to help or where to start. Others of us feel that it takes too much time and effort to do anything significant. However, all it takes is a bit of planning and thought and you can recycle and reuse without much effort at all. Before you know it, it will be second nature.

Here’s a great project to help!

Find a sheltered are (garage or carport) to place some plastic boxes or bins. Make sure it’s a convenient location so you will be more likely to use them. Use bins or boxes that can easily be lifted and placed in your car, and that have a clear, visible place for a label. Divide and assign your bins as follows:

• E-Waste – Electronic Devices, cords, cell phones, batteries, computer parts, etc.

• Sharp objects – razor blades, needles (Did you know it’s illegal to put these in the trash?)

• Old Clothes – donate or use as rags.

• Metal – Can be sold for scrap (including hangers – Did you know we toss 8 billion hangers in landfills each year?) Consider donating them to thrift stores, too.

• Ink Cartridges and light bulbs – Staples and Home Depot will recycle these.

• Miscellaneous – Items for reuse in some form. My box has a bag of wine corks for a future craft project, and a few small wooden boxes to repaint and re-purpose.

• Used spray bottles, plastic bottles and containers – These are great for homemade products such as lotions, shampoo, cleaners, etc.

• Packing peanuts – Can be dropped off at shipping stores.

• Building Supplies (Paint, wood, extra Stuff) – Great for small side projects and crafts.

Go to Earth911 to find drop off locations in your area for each of these items. Write the drop off locations and directions on the box. Then simply pop a box or two in the car with you if you know you’ll be close to one of the drop-off locations while you’re out. Many of the above items can also be placed on Craigslist under Free Stuff.

It’s only a few extra minutes of our time, but it can make an impact on our environment.

Here’s a great website with lots of info on waste reduction and recycling tips:
http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/consumer.shtml

Got any reuse and recycle tips to share?