November the 15th is “America Recycles Day.” Most of us grew up hearing “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," but there is so much more to reducing your footprint on this planet. Our society revolves around a simple system of supply and demand. Which means the most powerful and substantial vote you have is the way you spend each and every dollar.  All I ask is that you please take the time to consider these suggestions while living your life as a citizen of this earth.

Let the tirade begin.

 

​

 1.  Reduce the amount of packaging you buy. It seems like such a simple thing and it can be. Try buying in bulk and rather than purchasing individual serving sizes, which can cost much more. Purchase large portions of things like chips, and yogurt. You can then use reusable containers to divide food into individual servings.

Learn More >>

 

2.  Reinvent. Before throwing it out take another look. You can tie strings through old water bottles to create a horizontal garden. Or, an old book shelf can be placed in a closet to keep things organized. I grew up using clothing and towels too dilapidated for donation as rags. Having a ready supply of rags cuts down on the use of paper towels.

Crafty Ideas >>

 

3. Reuse. Just because something is sold as a single use item doesn't mean we have to treat it that way. We all take the easy way out sometimes but that spaghetti sauce jar can have a new life. Decoupage it and create a beautiful piggy bank, planter, flower vase, or pencil holder. We always teased my Grandmother for saving and reusing the plastic silverware and dishes, guess what? Grandma is always right.

More Ways To Reuse>>

 

4. Reconsider your life choices. Next time you want to purchase the same old prepackaged rice or pasta dinner, consider just buying the ingredients to make the same thing. Spices and rice can last for months or even years if stored properly. Just think of all the money and space in the landfill you will be saving.

Discover How To Help>>

 

5. Return to the Earth. Composting is easier than you think. This is a great opportunity to get super crafty. By utilizing old paint buckets and trash cans you can build your own compost bin and tumbler. Or just use an old ice cream bucket or coffee can under the sink to hold food scraps. Either way, don’t get overwhelmed. You may just want to start by composting your veggie scraps and coffee grounds. Before you know it, you’ll be bragging about your worm castings.

Learn To Compost >>

 

6. Recycle. Check out your community's recycling program.  Discover how and what to separate from the landfill. Remember to always rinse out food containers going into the recycling bin and nobody wants your bottle caps. To crush, or not to crush your cans. These are questions only your local facilities really know.

Find A Local Recycling Facility >>

 

7. Research. Homework,Yuck!! Everyday new inventions and ideas spring up from the depths of our evolving brains. Check out what’s new, what's out there and why. What can you recycle and what happens to it when you do? What can’t be composted? And what's the big deal about worms?

Homework. Yay !!!