Paper, Plastic and Glass Oh My!

This week I want to talk about household recycling. Everyone has heard about how recycling helps the environment and reduces the waste going into the landfills, but it also seems to reduce the trash in our homes as well. It doesn’t really, but it seems to. By using a recycle bin, there is less messy trash because the bulkiest items tend to be the ones that can be recycled. Less messy trash also means the indoor waste cans need to be emptied less often. Consider setting up a bin or box to collect any scrap paper, glass bottles, and plastic containers.

The recyclable trash is not only less messy, but much easier to deal with. Just rinse them off and toss them in the bin. I can also report that we have had very few bags leak since we started recycling years ago, so maybe the items that tend to puncture the trash bags also tend to be the ones that can be recycled. We have been able to save a little money by purchasing the very least expensive bags we can find.

Best of all, everyone can get into this without much problem. Even my toddler quickly learned what to put into the bin. Be forewarned, if you do have a toddler learning to use the recycle bin, you will probably find all kinds of things being deposited there for a while. This will be one of the first places to look if you can’t find your keys or your cell phone. Double check it before you take it out so you don’t lose something important.

More Than Plastic Grocery Bags

The next time you are at your grocery store, look around near the entrance. Most grocery stores are collecting used plastic grocery bags to be recycled. Even if you use your own grocery sacks you can take advantage of this service. Collect any plastic that turns up throughout the week from packaging that can not be added to the recycle bin. You can add wrap, cereal bags, or any thin plastic. I keep ours in one bag under my kitchen sink. When I make out my grocery list, I place this bag by the front door and grab it as I go out for the day. Many people like keeping stashes of the plastic bags. I know – you use those bags all the time and need to keep them. But take a minute to determine how many you really need. If you take your stash each time you go to the store, you will return home with a replacement batch of bags.

This article is not simply about helping the environment. This is about helping you to clean up your personal environment and putting a system in place that will help you to simplify your life. Anything that reduces the mess, even if it just seems to, seems to reduce the mess in your home.

Your Trash

Do you already recycle? Does it seem to reduce the mess in your home? What other recycling tips would you suggest?