I cannot believe how much trash we’ve generated this year. I’m ashamed to say that I have filled at least 3 large trash bags with all kinds of waste – most of it recyclable – but still, it’s a lot of waste. I always feel guilty every time I toss one of those bags into my black bin (the one that goes to the landfill,) because there’s got to be some other way, right? It’s shocking that so much of the paper and plastic we use is of the one-use variety – ugh! It pollutes the planet to make it, and pollutes the planet to get rid of it. Anyway – here are some of the ways that I try to reduce landfill waste, especially after the Holidays. The good news it that it’s now really easy to recycle almost everything – the convenience factor is really helping!
1. Wrapping paper and gift bags: I always try to salvage what I can. Even if gift bags have tags stuck onto them – you can always stick another tag over it next year. I re-use the same gift bags until they are literally falling apart.
2.Get your freeze on! Any leftovers that I know we won’t eat within a day, gets frozen. I try not to make the mistake of thinking that we might eat it. Unless I’m certain, it gets frozen. Remember, you can freeze turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes – the lot!
3. Cooking Oil: Unless you live near a facility that turns old cooking oil into gas or soap, you need to find a way to get rid of it safefy. I use an old jelly jar or milk carton. I pour the old fat, oil or grease into it and keep it in my freezer until it’s completely full. You can then contact your local Bureau of Sanitation to see if they recycle cooking oil (some do,) – if not, you’ll have to send it to the landfill. This method, however, is way better than pouring the oil either down your sink, or somewhere it’s not supposed to go.
4: Take a few seconds to contact your local Bureau of Sanitation – they’ll likely have a website with recycling information. Update yourself with what they are now accepting. I was shocked to find out that my curbside recycling now accepts polystyrene.
5. If you got a new gadget for a gift, and have an old one to get rid of, make sure you recycle it responsibly. Apple might buy back your old device, and stores like Staples and Best Buy. Both stores accept: computers, monitors, keyboards, GPS’s, phones, and many more devices. A great recycling resource is Earth911 – you can type in whatever it is that you want to recycle, and they will show you how.
6.Batteries: Staples, Best Buy, and Home Depot recycles rechargeable batteries. For recycling all kinds of batteries, go to Call 2 Recycle and type in your zip code.
7. Christmas Tree: Your Christmas Tree is biodegradable and can be recycled. Go to Real Christmas Trees to find out the best way to recycle yours.
3 Easy Tips for reducing your personal waste in 2013:
1. Purchase a really great reusable water bottle and commit to using it every single day. There is no need for any of us to use one-time-use plastic bottles anymore. Obviously, if I get caught short, get handed one at an event/party, or I’m traveling, I might occasionally use one. I’m not a zealot, but I do try my best to be mindful about this.
2. Purchase a travel tea/coffee mug. If you drink 2 Starbucks per day (or the equivalent of,) you could keep over 700 paper cups out of the landfill each year. You see, you can make a difference! If you hate the taste of those steel travel mugs, there are now so many different kinds to choose from that you just have to find the right one for your personal latte.
3. Say no to plastic tableware & napkins: If you are ordering home-delivery between now and the new year, ask that they don’t include utensils, soy sauce or napkins. You have to be pretty firm about this because they don’t always get it first time!
These 3 changes are such a step in the right direction. They may seem obvious, but truly, not many enough do them.
