So first: Why is recycling so important to me?
It isn't actually. (Bet you didn't think I was going to say that.)
It's the reducing and reusing that are the most important. This is not to say that recycling is bad. I think it's great, but I think as a society we think we are doing our part by throwing our "recyclables" into a bin and putting it out by the curb. Clear conscience, check!
The reality is, it takes energy to recycle. It uses our precious resources.
The recycling symbol actually has two components. The triangular shape represents the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy. Simply put, we should first and foremost, try to reduce our consumption. If you have to buy something, think of ways to reuse the item (such as re-purposing a glass jar or cutting up an old t-shirt to use as rags). The top part of the triangle represents recycling. When all else fails, recycle!
The arrows in the symbol represent the three stages of recycling: collection, processing, and sale and purchase of the new product.
Fun fact: The recycling symbol is actually called the Mobius Loop. It was designed by a 23 year old college student for a contest in the late 1960's or early 1970's.
*(These awesome facts are inspired by all-recycling-facts.com. Check it out!)
Second: How do we implement this in our household?
I will break it up into three categories according to the waste hierarchy.
Reduce
Even though this is the most important component, I have to say I have a hard time with it. I like to shop...a lot. I love getting new things. I don't care what it is, I just love it! This is something about me that has been hard to change, but I'm coming around. Being flat broke really helps out in this area.
So what do we actually do to reduce our consumption?
- We use cloth diapers. Doing this for two years will save an estimated 6,000 diapers from being tossed into the landfil. (For more information on disposable diapers' impact on the environment see The Real Diaper Association.)
Old pot re-purposed as a composed bucket next to sink.
- We are trying to use more cloth rags and less paper towels.- We buy higher quality items. This might seem counterintuitive because it is more expensive, but it is actually cheaper in the long run and more environmentally friendly because you aren't throwing old, cheap items away and buying new ones.
- We try to use cloth bags when grocery shopping. I seem to always forget these though, so keep them in the car!
- I shop at antique stores and second hand shops, especially for furniture. You will be surprised what a new coat of paint will do to an old dresser.
Used changing table with a fresh coat of paint and new knobs!
- We plant a garden and make our own salsa, sauces, pickles, etc.
Canning tomatoes from our garden.
- We make our own cleaning products. Better for the planet and better for your lungs!Reuse
Yay! This is my favorite area. I love to reuse things. Before I recycle anything, I look at it to see if I can use it in any other place in my house.
- My favorite things to reuse are glass jars. My husband would probably tell you I am a borderline glass jar hoarder. I use glass jars to store: flour, laundry detergent, tea, nuts, spices, and much more. I'm not gonna lie, the fact that they look pretty in there is a motivating factor.
A very small portion of my glass jar collection.
Glass jars to hold toothbrushes. They are easily cleaned by throwing them in the dishwasher!
- I cut up old shirts to use as cleaning rags. I just recently started doing this to cut my consumption of paper towels.I keep the rags next to the paper towels so when I reach for a paper towel I am reminded to choose a rag if appropriate.
- I use my old prefold diapers as wash rags for Baby J. Babies are messy and paper towels are expensive!- Plastic containers and cardboard boxes make great toys. Baby J actually prefers these. He will get lost in a cardboard box with a milk jug for long periods of time!
Recycle
To be honest, I'm a terrible recycler. I have been getting better though. I recycle most of the time but sometimes I let myself slip because the glass jar is too hard to clean out, etc.
Daddy J, on the other hand is a pro at it. No matter what, he recycles! I am learning from him how important this step is. We have a bin for plastic and glass recyclables right behind our regular trash bin so it is easy and convenient. Our paper recyclables go into this big box (an example of reusing and recycling: score!) and our soda cans and bottles go into the trash can next to it.
Our paper recycling box.
Thanks for letting me share how we "reduce, reuse, and recycle" in our house! Look for future posts with quick tips on how to make a positive impact on our environment.I would love to hear your ideas as well!