MCC Recycling
Recycle/Reduce/Reuse
FACT: The average American generates about 4.6 lbs of solid waste per day. Less than 1/4 of that is recycled.
(source: www.epa.gov)
Try to Incorporate the 3 R's into your daily routine. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
REDUCE: If waste was not created in the first place, there would be no need to recycle or have landfills. Until Zero Waste becomes a reality, we can reduce our impact in a big way by being aware of what we throw in the trash.
REUSE: Let's face it, we live in a disposable society. It doesn't have to be that way. Purchasing quality products that can be reused such as a thermos or cloth shopping bags keeps that much product out of our landfills. Repair what's broken. Keep shipping boxes & supplies on hand for reuse.
RECYCLE: As a last ditch effort, recycling eliminates the need to incinerate trash, sending toxins into our environment or burying it in landfills that could contaminate our groundwater (read: drinking water). Buy recycled products and recycle what's recyclable and we close the loop, leading to that elusive Zero Waste concept we mentioned earlier.
- Recycle at home, work and school!
- Entrepreneurial type? Why not start some sort of Recycling business: open a vintage/thrift store, start a pay-per-haul curbside recycling program in an underserved community, open an art gallery filled with recycled/reused materials, etc.
- Buy products made from post-consumer recycled materials to prove the system works!
- Why purchase a subscription? Swap magazines or books you’ve read with others. Or donate the magazines you've already read to your school library or other organization.
- Give and receive at Freecycle.org
- Make fun & unique “new” clothing pieces from tattered or overly worn items in your closet. Or just give an old piece new life by attaching fabric or buttons from another article of clothing.
- Have a clothing-swap party with your friends, school club or neighbors. Bring the clothes you no longer wear and trade for something new. You might even get a chance at that cute pink top with the frilly things on it that you’ve had your eye on. Take the items from the “No one wants ‘em” pile to Goodwill or another organization that could really use them.
- Use that old t-shirt as a dust rag.
- Reuse dryer sheets to dust static surfaces like your t.v. or in your pillowcase for a fresh scent every time you fluff your pillow.
- Reuse plastic grocery bags or invest in some sturdy, reusable bags for your next clothes, shoes or shopping trip. Most grocery stores will pay you for each bag that you bring in. Saves them more money not to send you home with a new plastic bag.
- Make your own recycled paper.
- Reduce waste by purchasing a reusable water bottle.
- Recycle dollars back into your community by buying local whenever possible.
- Buy Rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones.
We’d love to hear how you incorporate the 3 R’s into your life. Send us your tips and we may add it to this page
Please contact Tammi Taylor Bryant for comments or corrections email phone: 480-461-7263
