#1: Start a recycling program

So, today I will consider the recycling program finished and in full swing. I have a rather large box that was in my workshop that I completely forgot about for a real long time (it was being used as a table to put the small tool set on until I reorganized that room). It is now my "recycle bin" as it is much larger than the blue boxes you have to buy, it was free, and it means I only have to drop off my recycling once a month instead of twice a week. We recycle lots already. Our garbage bag is only half full every week instead of overfull! It is so nice to know I'm doing something "green". This box is stored in my workshop by the door so it's easy to take away when full. We've filled it up once already and are just working on it a second time (this thing is big... had a large tv in it at one point).

So, what do I recycle? Tin cans, glass jars, magazines/paper, boxes (cereal, etc, which I "open" and fold into flats), and any plastic items that have the recycle symbol on them (like pudding cups). A lot of containers I wash and reuse in the house. When I have too many, I'll put some in recycling.

On another "recycle" type note, I've been recycling other things for awhile now, just not like this. For example, I keep my plastic bags under the sink in old iced tea tins and use them for garbage bags in the bathrooms (I heard they are great for diapers). I also reuse glass containers for storing things like soup, and plastic (sour cream, etc) for storage. I even used some glass/plastics for crafts at one point. I also reuse some of those ziplocks, if I used them for a sandwhich I'll wash them and use them later on for storing things. Oh, and I recently bought 3 "green" bags from Superstore. Every time you use a bag you get 50 extra points, so each time we go shopping with these things we get 150 extra points! They only cost $1 too. And points go towards "free groceries" later on! We're at almost $140 worth in free groceries! Woo hoo!

There's my recycle blurb. So, what do you do to recycle? Any tips for me? It's harder recycling when you live in the country and have to take it away yourself...


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A very cool "green giveaway" on Mommy Confessions blog