We have not always recycled in our home, but now try to do so whenever possible. A few reasons that held us back were that we thought it might be too complicated and also that the time and effort would not be worth the outcome of keeping a few items out of the landfill which was created for the purpose of collecting our junk. It is reported that Americans throw away an estimated 210 million tons of junk per year. Much of that is unnecessary garbage; items that can be repurposed or recycled and used to create more of the everyday items that we use. Just to let you know, the benefits of recycling far surpass just the saving of a few trees.

You do not have to be an environmental guru or have any interest in global warming to recycle. All it takes is an appreciation for maintaining this beautiful environment we have been blessed with or just wanting to utilize all of the resources we have to their fullest extent. There is nothing that beats our beautiful Tennessee landscape. Also, you would be amazed at what can be done with an empty milk jug or water bottle.

The process of recycling involves a little more than placing it curbside or taking it to a recycling center. Whether you are starting a program in your community, school, or your home, there are a few things to consider before you start. Once you learn how easy it really is to recycle, recycling is as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

#1 All things are not recycled equally
Items that can be recycled range from the overused paper towel to that hard to put down cell phone. It is amazing how many times a material can be used if recycled. Going from “you are what you eat,” to “you wear what you eat – or what your food comes in” is an example of how some of these recycled items are being used.

Most residential recycling programs include the following common items: plastic bottles, glass, paper products, and aluminum cans. You are not limited to these items, but they are a few good ones to start with in your program, especially if you are new to the “practice” of recycling. So, decide what items you are going to recycle and work from there. If you are adventurous and these items are not exciting enough for starting your program (rubber and scrap metal may be your style), then check with your local recycling center to see what other items they accept. The idea is to recycle and not become the neighborhood junkyard.

#2 A successful recycling program takes some effort
As with most successful programs, the “dirty” work behind the scenes is often forgotten. When you recycle, you have to take on a new way of thinking. No, this is not cult indoctrination. You have to stop doing what is EASY (open – use – toss into garbage) and actually take the time to THINK before tossing, to rinse (in some instances), and then sort with like, other recyclables. I was amazed at how quickly I reached for the garbage can after emptying a can, jar, or yogurt container. After I got my rhythm going, I had a nice little collection going on my kitchen counter which brings me to the next point.

#3 Designate a recycling area with proper containers.
Setting up your recycling area with the proper containers is important because you don’t want your program to take over your home and you also want to be able to accommodate your efforts. Our “holding area” started around our kitchen island. After missing our weekly scheduled trip to the recycling center, our recycling containers (paper bags), took over creating a big trash section in our kitchen. Everything was moved to our already crowded garage. You guessed it. This weekend is going to be spent cleaning our garage and making a dedicated recycling area. I will probably use old boxes from Costco as containers.

#4 Breakdown, Bundle, Remove, Rinse, and Stomp, then Sort
Prepare your recyclables before going to the center or placing curbside. All cardboard boxes should be broken down and flattened (not stomped on to flatten), newspapers bundled, bottle caps removed from plastic bottles and actually thrown away (but DON’T!), food containers rinsed, and aluminum cans flattened or stomped (kids love to do this). Save the bottle caps because some places are able to use them. If there are any homeschoolers out there, then I have labeled them with letters and used them for my toddler to play a matching game.

After preparing your recyclables, sort them into the proper containers. Sorting before going to the center will save you time and can make the process run more smoothly.

#5 Maintain your recycling area.
Water bottles are probably the safest item to have hanging around after use. What I mean by this is, there is less of an attraction for creatures. I don’t like bugs of any sort and anything smaller than my hand that crawls does not belong in my home. Be sure to rinse any food containers right after emptying. This will reduce the potential for attracting bugs or pet curiosity. Properly prepare your recyclables for the center (empty and clean is preferred for food containers – glass, etc.), and create a cleaner environment (less smelly in the car too if you don’t have curbside pick-up) until your weekly garbage pick-up or center visit.

Something I also noticed during the first week of recycling. Our garbage can was a lighter load. It is pretty cool knowing that we are sending less to landfills and contributing to product creativity. Green Toys is one of many companies that use recycled material, milk jugs, to make toys that any child would love to receive and enjoy endless hours of play. You may even see me wearing one of these stylish fleece hats, until the warmer weather arrives, which are made out of recycled plastic bottles. Who would have thought that a plastic bottle could be so stylish?

Are you game? Are you up for the challenge? What are you going to start recycling today?