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Recycling.
A simple word, and for most of us, a regular practice. If you've ever meet someone who either doesn't recycle, or even know what recycling is, you would probably look at them as if they're from another planet! Concern about our own planet, and helping to protect the Earth from a major disturbance to her delicate balance, has been a habit of mine for nearly half my life [number removed from post for vanity's sake!].
Unfortunately, recycling services aren't readily available to everyone.
My family and I recently moved, and while it wasn't a particularly big move (same town, same zip code, less than 3 miles away), the services in our new neighborhood are a little bit different than in the old one. For example, we have access to trash services, but not to recycling. Houses on the opposite side of the street have trash bins, containers for green waste (compost), and recycling bins. Our side of the street, however, seemed to have been a bit neglected in terms of waste disposal services.
This post is to help those of you in the same boat to find adequate services to meet your household's recycling needs! (You can thank me later). :)
The first step for some would be to call your city's local disposal services department. There are usually pamphlets with this information, containing a list of local numbers, that can be found at your nearest library, property management locations, or on the internet. If you happen to live in a big city, though, your request (and even your phone call) can get lost in the shuffle. (I speak from personal experience. Welcome to L.A.)
So, to keep my Green-ness in tact, I did a little searching to learn which local recycling services are available to me. In this exploration, I discovered Earth911.com. This site is the guru of all your recycling questions! ...At least, it was for mine.
An online search with a subject as broad as "recycling" can present you with many options. On the site I found, there is a ton of information I didn't even know I didn't know! Listed were the types of material that can currently be recycled, an explanation of the code number listed on most materials, and the opportunity for the ever-curious to learn just what the items you purchase are made of. There is also a direct listing of local establishments (per city and state, or zip code only), which particular materials they service, as well as upcoming recycling and other green-events in your area! They offer maps to help you find a specific location, information about local curbside recycling programs, disposal services, as well as mail-in recycling opportunities.
I also found a helpful list of some products that are (surprisingly) recyclable! Things like plastic gift cards, packing peanuts, bottle caps, used film, plastic wrap and used water filters can be recycled at certain facilities. Items that you would normally throw in the trash can now be disposed of in a more responsible manner (and you get extra points in my book for doing so)! Earth911.com also provides useful disposal tips in its Recycling 101 section, as well as a page for sustainable solutions for use in the workplace.
Recycling is a necessary trend in today's world. If you're already into it - GREAT! Be proud of your Green-ness! If you've recently started recycling, or have been considering starting, we fellow Greenies welcome you with open arms! Check out what local services are available to you, do some research, hop online, or checkout the site listed above. There's so much to learn, and so many ways for each individual to help out, in reducing the amount of nonrenewable resources used, reusing what items and materials we can, and recycling the rest.
GO GREEN!
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