Jennifer Berry, who is with Earth 911, came on Smart Family to share five ways to recycle. She says that recycling is the easiest way for a person to start down the green path.
If you have not heard of Earth 911, they provide people with recycling solutions and recycling information across the country. Bottom line: if you have a question about anything to with recycling, they are the ones to help.
Berry says the good news is that Americans are doing a better job recycling, when it comes to one particular type of material which is plastic. But there are still other products out there and more that could be done to boost overall recycling.
Here are the five tips Berry says will make you a pro recycler in no time:
1. Revisit local rules. The past few years have been tough on the recycling industry, and some local communities saw changes in the way they recycle. To improve your recycling habits, take a look at how your community works and make sure you're still up to speed. Berry says to try and visit your town or city website for information on what is being collected. This may seem rather simple, but Berry says, even Earth911 staffers have been known to mess up their recycling.
The point: We all get things wrong, Berry says, so be sure to double-check your own practices at home.
2. Know your codes. Some types of materials, like plastic, take a little extra examination before tossing them into the bin. If your community collects plastics with rules that use wording such as "all containers and tubs," then you don't have to worry about this tip. But, if you use a recycling program that says "#1 and #2 plastic, no bags or film," you'll probably have to follow this tip. "This holds especially true with children (or roommates!) who might not know how to tell the difference," Berry says.
The point: It's not just enough to know the rules. Berry says you've got to get down to the nitty gritty and advises to take your recycling beyond the bin. She recommends the ReCork program at Whole Foods for a good place to start.
3. Get off the curb. Besides the curbside pickup collection, you may be wondering what to do about the rest of the waste your home generates. There are items like electronics, wine corks, plastic containers, CDs and candy wrappers that could actually be recycled if you just took a little more time sorting your recycling.
The point: The pros take a look at their waste and find new ways to recycle it outside the home.
4. Buy recycled things. Your decisions to purchase products made with recycled materials guarantee a continued demand for recycling. If you pay attention to the labels on the products you buy, you should be able to tell if the packaging or product itself is made with recycled materials Berry says. "Continue the work you're already doing at the curb by aiming to purchase those same materials in a new life," Berry says. She advises to look around the next time you're at the store for how you can "vote" for recycled products with your all-mighty dollar.
The point: Starting to buy recycled products keeps the cycle of reuse in motion, Berry says.
5. Make some money. Who doesn't want to make a little money? Why not get a little extra in your pocket for recycling? Programs that reward you for recycling are showing up throughout the country. Greenopolis is a website, Berry says, that gives you points for using its kiosks that you can redeem for items like movie tickets and members-only shopping. Curbside programs that pay out are also becoming popular. The Recycle Bank website rewards homeowners with points that can be cashed in with hundreds of retailers. And if you don't have a curbside program that could earn you credit for your good works, it doesn't hurt to ask!
Source http://www.abc15.com/
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