Stress Free Recycling

How can we keep recycling stress free? By making it less of a chore and more manageable, we are sure to get more people to participate!

Here are a few ideas to make caring for the planet no mess, no stress.

One way to keep it stress free is to have your entire family participate.  Kids can learn to recycle and feel good when they do.  In my family we say "Who wants to be a Planetpal and recycle the bottles this week?".  If you live in a bottle deposit state, you can teach kids banking at the same time by letting them save the money earned from the returns they take.  Kids can also help with putting boxes and bags in bins after meals.

Whether you have a family or not, just follow some of these simple steps and you will be on your way to doing your part:

Get in the Habit

The first step is to get in the habit of recycling.  Make a plan that works for you. Learn your options. Once it's in place, you will find it easy to keep up. 

Keep Recycle Bins Handy

Have recycle bins in a designated area. For instance, use the town bins in your garage or buy a cute set of recycle pails to go in your back hall or kitchen.  Make them accessible!

Fold and Flatten 

Fold boxes and flatten toilet paper and paper towel tubes so that you keep the amount of recycling to a minimum.  

Precycle 

If you precycle, you won't have so many things to recycle--

It's easy once you know how, just check out our precycle list for ideas on how to.

Use the Transfer Station

Every town has a recycle center of some kind with everything from swap shops, to hazardous materials areas for recycling. Find out what your town has available and make a plan to use it on a regular basis.

Learn the Gift of Giving!

There are a slew of thrifts, charities and swaps out there. Don't overlook schools and libraries.  Make it easy for yourself by giving to a place that is close by. Easier than that, learn to use freecycle and free lists.  Post it (you don't necessarily need a photo) and chances are someone will come right over and pick it up.  Don't want to meet the people? Make a plan to leave it on the curb.

Go here for a complete list of where to sell, swap or give it away.

Lastly, Remember these R's and you will have less to recycle all around: reduce, reuse, remake, refashion, rethink!