box liners, Ziploc-type storage bags, plastic envelopes, air pillows and bubble wrap. Be sure to deflate the air pillows, and clean and dry all items before drop off. Check out PlasticFilmRecycling.org for more information. Reduce Purchases There’s an undeniable connection between the amount you buy and the amount of waste produced. If you’re looking to reduce the latter, start by evaluating the former. If you find you need a roasting pan,
consider buying from a second- hand store or borrowing from a friend instead of buying new. For gift giving, dive into DIY by making your own spirits, oils, baked goods, jams, canned goods, vinegars, heat pads, quilts, woodworking projects and washcloths.
Also watch out for polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, which is difficult to get rid of. Seek out merchants who proudly tout sustainability practices by using cardboard and paper for shipping and packaging, which is all easily recyclable. While shopping in store, bring your own reusable bags. In fact, keep some in your car at all times or buy yourself a few compact foldable bags to store in your purse. If you take your own produce bags (which are easy to make out of pillowcases or order online) you can skip the plastic bags in the vegetable aisle, too. For bulk food, bring your own containers instead of bringing everything home in bags. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle The three pillars of eliminating waste are reduce, reuse and recycle. What and how to recycle varies widely across the country and around the world. The majority of municipal recycling centers, however, accept cardboard, nearly every type of paper, aluminum cans, glass and plastic jugs. Many grocery stores have a return spot for plastic bags, which can include things like bread bags, toilet paper and paper towel wrapping, dry- cleaning bags, produce bags, cereal
a turkey platter or an electric knife,
HOME SWEET HOME 20
Powered by FlippingBook