We all know about recycling and we know even more about the common items that can be recycled, such as glass, plastics, metal, and even, plastic bags, but there is more.
Most items you buy anymore are suited for your convenience; Easy carry handles, large packages that can be easily transported to and from your car, and in the end it comes down to items being packaged in a lot of package in the end. And without recycling most of those large package items end up in landfills nationwide. But what is the answer to all of this?
The answer comes down to you, the consumer. When you reach for items that contain a lot of package waste, try to recycle all of the package contents when you open the product. Also, look to items that don't contain a lot of large, bulk packaging. Other ways to lean more toward the recycling ways of living would be to avoid anything that isn't recyclable. There are many items being sold on the market today that come in packaging made from post consumer waste products or a logo that shows how much of the package was made from recycled material.
Other ways to recycle:
1. Recycle magazines, newspaper, and junk mail. Most magazine anymore are made on recycled paper already, so complete their life cycled by putting them back into the recycling system. Follow that along with newspaper and junk mail as well. (Shred anything with personal information on it before recycling)
2. Old cell phones. This one seems to be overlooked a lot when it comes to recycling, but it shouldn't. Many home improvement stores have boxes that you can donate your old cell phone to and be sure they go to the right location and out of the landfill. The harm with electronics going to landfills is the mercury they contain. It leaches out into the ground when can end up in our ground water supply. (Be sure and remove any personal information from the cell phone log before donating the item)
3. Cable Cord. You can also donate old cable coax line from a recent install of cable, or wiring in your home. You can even donate them without stripping the covering in most recycle facilities.
4. Brass and Cast Iron. Most people don't realize that old brass and cast iron railing, headboards, and door knobs can be recycled just the same as other metals. Brass and cast iron are most often overlooked because they aren't a metal you come across frequently.
5. Wheels and Radiators from a car. These two are another group of items that are most often overlooked as well. The wheels from your car, lawnmower, or even a go kart are over looked because most people don't assume they can be recycled. The rubber from the tires are often recycled into playground material, roads, and tracks at high schools. The radiators in your car contains aluminum that can be recycled, and most places will take them regardless of how old they are.
Adding recycling to your daily habits is a great way to lead a greener lifestyle. A great way to incorporate recycling is by making a pledge to recycle one item each month for twelve months this year and continue till November 15th (America Recycles Day) It's a simple task that can only be a benefit in the end for the planet and yourself. Take the pledge here and let's make the planet a better place to be.
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