Happy Earth Day!

All right so at one point in our marriage, lets say for every year we were married until 2006, we did not recycle. For shame! How many tons of recyclable materials have we put in the landfill?

To give myself an idea of what would happen if we stopped recycling or went back in time and determined how much we were putting into the landfill, I did a little experiment. I collected everything that our family uses over a two week period and instead of putting it in the recycling bin, I collected the items for your viewing pleasure.

I know, I know. Who uses that much? Granted we had company in town for a few days out of the two week period but geez.

So where do we go from here?

I found some very interesting sites that provide resources about recycling. I had no idea you could recycle so many things.

There is actually a Center for Hard to Recycle Items where I live. Who knew? Some items they charge you to recycle and some are for free. Check out this website. It is quite possibly the coolest website ever. Did you know you can recycle wire hangers, batteries, foam padding, carpet and foil. http://www.ecocycle.org

Here is another fantastic resource that I am using. http://www.officiency.com/recycling.html#eyeglasses

So a plan is now in place to solve the top recycling excuse our family has (if we are not sure if it is recyclable its easier to just throw it away). I have created a system where all potentially recyclable or give away items are placed. Those items that can go out each Friday in the "little purple box" are placed in one area and the other harder to recycle items (plastic bags, batteries) and give away items are placed in another and I will collect them until I make a trip to the local recycling or donation center.

A couple of ways we have decided to positively impact our contributions to the landfill/recycling center:

1) Buy in bulk whenever possible.

2) Invest in rechargeable batteries.

3) Bring our own hangers to the dry cleaners or return the hangers to the dry cleaner for them to reuse.

4) Bring our cloth shopping bags with us to all stores and not just to the grocery store (Babies R Us, Target, ect.).

5) Make use of Craigslist (under the free section) for items that can not be donated or recycled but may be of use to someone.