How to Be a Better Recycler

Whether you’ve been trying to live zero-waste for a while or a complete newbie to the cause, you’re probably trying to recycle in one way or another. That’s a good start!

Unfortunately, a lot of people have no idea how to do it right. Did you know most recycling items don’t accept Post-Its because the adhesive strip cannot be removed during the recycling process? Or that Pringles tubes are almost impossible to recycle? Are you aware of what your local recycling program will or will not accept?

The thing is, recycling is much more than separating your trash or leaving recyclable items curbside to be picked up.

5 Simple Ways to Become a Better Recycler

Don’t lose heart— becoming a better recycler is much easier than you might think. In fact, you can make a huge impact with just a few simple steps:

1.       Think about recycling before you buy anything.

Turns out, the first step to be better at recycling is to not have to recycle at all. In other words, always doublethink your packaging options before buying anything.

For instance, why buy single-use hygiene items when you can get reusable alternatives good for as many as 1750 uses instead? If you’re buying food, choose a product that comes in an easily-recyclable container like cardboard versus something packed in plastic. The less waste you bring into your home in the first place, the less waste you produce.

2.       Don’t recycle if you can reuse.

There’s a reason why “reuse” comes before “recycle” in the 3Rs— it’s always the better choice.

For one, you’re not going to take up limited energy and resources needed to recycle items. Two, you’re sure the item won’t go to straight to landfills. Three, you get more out of your money. Here are some easy ways to start reusing common household items:

·         Wash out jars and cans to reuse for storage.

·         Repurpose trigger spray bottles for watering plants or dispensing cleaning products.

·         Get creative with your used plastic containers— use them as mini cubbyholes, bird feeders, food bins, scoops, even self-watering seed pots!

·         Need to print something? Use the other side of a piece of used paper.

·         Turn your old clothes and beddings into rags.

3.       Put recycling bins in every room.

Yes, every single room, not just the kitchen! They don’t have to be literal trash bins either. It can be as simple as a reusable bag in one corner of every room.

This makes it easier to recycle on the spot— used up the last bit of shampoo? Chuck it into the bag. Emptied out a printer cartridge? Shoot into the corner bin, no need to go all the way to the kitchen or outside. People are much more likely to separate their trash if it’s convenient and top of mind.

4.       Start composting!

Recycling isn’t just about glass, plastic, or cans. It also concerns your food waste, which makes up a massive part of what goes into landfills. The easiest way to take care of it yourself is to turn it into compost. Here’s are a few things that can go into your compost bin:

·         Eggshells

·         Vegetable peelings

·         Rotten, raw fruit

·         Grass cuttings

·         Torn up paper

·         Weeds

However, don’t throw any meat, pet poo, or dairy in there, as this can attract pests into your compost bin and create unpleasant smells.

Another upside to composting is that it can encourage you take the next big zero-waste step— growing your own food. Start small. Maybe a few flower pots, herb planters, mushrooms, or vegetables that are easy to grow. Use your compost to enrich the soil, and enjoy the literal fruits of your labor!

5.       Avoid buying particular types of food packaging.

This is related to the very first tip, “Think about recycling before you buy anything.” The majority of waste products come directly from the grocery retail sector.

Cutting the amount of food packaging you use is a great place to start helping to reduce that waste. On your next grocery trip, avoid food products packed in the following materials:

·         Plastic bottles

·         Black plastic food trays

·         Individually-wrapped vegetables, fruits, and snacks

·         Food pouches—buy in bulk if you can

·         Foil-lined food boxes

·         Coffee capsules and pods (20 billion single-serve, hard-to-recycle pods and capsules now exist, with more being produced!)

The Final Step: Start Small

Doing even just one thing from this entire list is better than doing nothing at all. The worst approach to recycling is trying to be perfect at it right from the start. Not only are you bound to fail, but it can also lead to burnout, and eventually, giving up on the initiative altogether.

Remember that living an eco-friendlier life is a marathon, not a race— in fact, there is no finish line. Just ordinary people like you trying to reduce waste, one step at a time.

This is a sponsored post. Please note that JUGS only accepts sponsorships from mission-aligned brands that meet our core values of compassion + fulfillment.

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