Recycle 411 Guide

When my husband and I bought our 30 year old home a few years ago we made a stop at the water company to set up our water. There the person setting up our account told us we could pick up a recycling bin on our next visit. My husband and I looked at each other a little confused. Then I smiled. I was so excited to know that a recycling program existed in my neighborhood.

Unfortunately, I soon found out I was the only one on my street who took her recycling bin out on Wednesdays. No one else did.

At first we were the only ones on the street to bring out our recycling bin, but it didn't stay that way. My next door neighbor, an elderly man with a young heart and mind, took an interest in the bin and began to ask questions? He then began to take out his bin on Wednesdays too. In fact, he often took initiative and took ours out if we forgot to.

Three years later, at least 7 people on our street have a recycling bin set out on Wednesdays. Sure 7 isn't a lot of progress in 3 years, but there are also more bins out on recycling day throughout the neighborhood. The way I see it, some progress is better than no progress and now the recycling truck doesn't have to make a trip on my street just for my bin anymore.

1. Cut old t-shirts into large squares to use as cleaning rags.

2. Use the back of receipts as scratch paper.

3. Use egg cartons to plant seeds and watch seedlings grow.

4. Use old stockings to tie up plants in your garden.

5. Compost your kitchen scraps.