Trash
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Common Recycling Questions
Last week, I volunteered with my city at a recycling education table at a local elementary school’s eco fair. I had a ton of fun playing the “sorting game” with lots of youngins (and some of their parents) where participants are asked to sort items in to either a trash or recycling pile. It was interesting to see which items threw people off the most… so here they are. Common — “can I recycle this?” questions answered. Things that threw off parents: Wire hangers. NO. Take these to the dry cleaners! Aluminum foil. Nope. Trash. Styrofoam cups (even with the #6 at the bottom). Very, very few cities actually take…
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How to Recycle Better
Disclaimer: I am basing this information off of what I learned while touring our local recycling facility. Your facility may be different with different recycling rules and procedures. The best way to find out is by contacting your local facility, going on a tour, or reaching out to your city’s green/recycling/zero waste initiative divisions. Visiting our local recycling facility was one of the most educational opportunities I’ve had in a long time. It was fascinating how high tech the facility was but also how much we don’t know as a community on best recycling practices. So. I’m hoping to share out a few small things I’ve learned. First off, make…
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Our “Luxury Item” List
Nope — I don’t mean La Mer cream or gold toilets. Our “luxury items” are those items that are housed in plastic (particularly #7, which our city takes but doesn’t really have a market to sell those plastics to) or end up in the landfill. But for now — these items are what we have, love, or haven’t found suitable recyclable or zero waste alternatives for. Sonicare brush heads (landfill): Can’t quit these! They keep my teeth in great condition and I’m not willing to switch over the bamboo toothbrushes yet. Maybe someone can make bamboo brush heads or something for Sonicares? Makeup products (landfill or Origins): I love makeup…
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The “Does This Go in the Trash?” List
I have the below list on our fridge (mainly for my husband) so I don’t have to constantly answer the question: does this go in the trash? Feel free to use it for yourself! Save for compost pile (browns) Newspaper ripped into pieces Hair + pet hair Vacuum and dryer dust Toilet paper rolls ripped into pieces Cotton q-tips Facial tissue?(on the rare occasion it’s used) Paper towels (on the rare occasion it’s used) Parchment paper ripped into pieces (incl. cupcake liners, butter wrappers) Used matches, toothpicks, skewers Bamboo cleaning supplies Biodegradable sponges Dead flowers/plants Pizza boxes ripped into pieces (recycle non-oily top) Paper egg carton ripped into pieces Wine…
