RECYCLE
Per Dictionary.com:
re·cy·cle /riˈsaɪkəl/ Show Spelled [ree-sahy-kuhl] Show IPA verb,-cled, -cling, noun
–verb (used with object)
1.to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse: recycling paper to save trees.
2.to alter or adapt for new use without changing the essential form or nature of: The old factory is being recycled as a theater.
3.to use again in the original form or with minimal alteration: The governor recycled some speeches from his early days.
4.to cause to pass through a cycle again: to recycle laundry through a washing machine.
–verb (used without object)
5.to pass through a cycle again; repeat a process from the beginning.
6.to undergo reuse or renewal; be subject to or suitable for further use, activity, etc.: The industry will recycle and become profitable once more.
–noun
7.the act or process of recycling.
As you read these definitions it doesn't seem so hard does it? However; so many don't recycle. I really just don't get it. Recycling is something that I am really passionate about. Some say I am a bit overboard but really , I'm not! It's easy....It's important....It's a no brainer!
How did I get to where I am with recycling you may ask? What made it click for me? Well, it really started while we were stationed in Italy. In Italy, you have to recycle, no option. On post the Italians would have little stands set up with pamplets on recycling: the importance of it, the effects on our environment, and the how to's of it. I was first recycling because I had to, but soon began to realize how very important it really is....and how very very easy it is.
My first step for starting to recycle for you is to find out which numbers in your areas that can be recycled. This is the number on the bottom of your plastics in the middle of the triangle. When you find this out you are off to a good start. You can recycle cans, glass, and paper/cardboard as well. I'll break it down a bit more.
Plastic: Find the numbers in your areas that you can recycle ( I usually rinse mine out.)
Cans: I rinse and remove the labels but you don't have to. Check with your area, but soda cans and bottles and here in NY water bottles require a 5 cent deposit when you purchase it and has places you can go to get that deposite back and encourage recyling. Check in your area.
Glass: I rinse these and remove the labels if they are easily removed otherwise I just leave them on. (some recycle centers don't want broken glass from mirrors and such, so just check with where you will recycle with and they usually have a pamplet that tell ya.)
Cardboard: Most cardboard can be recycled. Some with the waxy feel to the outside cannot be recycled but I would ask. Many centers are different in what they accept. You cannot recycle pizza boxes with food on it as this is contaminated.
Paper: Most paper is recycleable, envelopes (even with the plastic window), mail, childrens school work...the list goes on...newspaper, magazines ect. I would shred items with important info on it before sending it to the recycle center though. You cannot recycle colored paper like construction paper. But most paper is recycleable.
It's quite easy to keep containers for seperation in your garage. I simply hang a plastic bag on my laundry room door that keeps plastic, glass, and cans it and take it out to my recycle bin at the end of the day. I keep my paper and cardboard in a seperate container.
When I lived in Clayton, NY it cost extra to pick up the recycleables so I simply took it to the dump myself and if I can do it so can you! It wasn't that hard and didn't take that much effort. However, where we live now it is included with trash pick up and they just give an extra container. You'll need to find out for your area what you will need to do.
Once you have your system in place it will run smoothly. It is just so easy. Get educated and come on board. It is very rewarding.
~Shannon
