by 36 people |
From Computers to Washing Machines, There's a Way to Recycle Almost Anything!
You already know how to recycle the basics, like bottles, cans, cardboard and paper, but what about the not-so-everyday items?
Items like aerosol cans, cellphones and mattresses can still be recycled, but not curbside. Find out here where you can recycle these everyday items that don't have everday recycling methods.
Computers, Mattresses, Aerosol, Oh My!
*Batteries. These are essential to recycle and contain dangerous heavy metals and chemicals like mercury, so that cannot be tossed into the rubbish. They also can't be sent curbside. When you initially purchase your batteries, don't buy them for the long term. They expire and drain down even when not in use. Consider rechargeable batteries to lower the amount of batteries you consume. Gift idea: Buy rechargeable batteries (and a charger) for children that you give a toy to. It's a fun lesson for them, and you'll be spreading the word about this eco friendly alternative.
*Aerosol cans. The negative consequences of aerosol cans have been largely documented, but if you have some lying around, they can still be recycled! Take the cap off, be completely sure the canister is empty, and peel off the label, just as you would with your metal food cans. Send it curbside, or take it with you on your recycling center trip.
*Computers. A major reason many people do not recycle their computer is for security reasons. To tackle this hurdle, erase your hardrive. It's not as hard as it sounds, and it's easy for others to access your information even if you've deleted sensitive information from your computer. Erasing your hard drive isn't sending documents to the computer's recycling bin, so don't think that's all you have to do! After you're done with that, take a look at TechSoup's Tips for Donating your Computer, which also includes a list of places you can donate to.
*Mattresses. Even mattresses can be recycled. First, evaluate the condition of the mattress. If it's still perfectly usable, put the mattress on Craigslist or Earth911.org to find out what transfer station is closest to you that will accept the mattress. Call before you go to find out if they really do accept mattresses to save yourself the gas and the wasted trip.
Even Crocs Can Have a Second Life
Wear, share, recycle and donate your Crocs with these easy tips provided by lensmaster SusanVillasLewis.
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Soles United: Recycle Your Used Crocs
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My baby blue Crocs has been through it all in the two years since I bought them. Traipsing through the sand on a Mexican beach, clomping around my local mall, squelching through the mud in Sudan. As a result, they're starting to look a bit battered a...
Get Creative: Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Roll Recycling
Doesn't it seem like a waste throwing away those cardboard paper rolls so often? a_willow points out literally dozens of creative uses.
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How to Reuse Paper Rolls
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Before you throw away a paper roll, do you consider what it can be used for? Never thought of that? Or you already reuse them? Although our society urges people not to throw out but recycle and reuse as many common household items as possible, we st...
Squidoo: A Great Resource for Green Enthusiasts!
There are hundreds of unique, useful lenses to greenify your life right here on Squidoo. Check out the entire category of green living lenses!
Wrap your Gifts Using a More Creative Green Twist
You can use recycled wrapping paper, or better yet, create your own unique wrapping paper with these unique ideas!
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Recycled Gift Wrap
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We've all seen it...mounds and mounds and mounds of wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, ribbons, it's been debated THAT is the best part of the holiday gift opening...but how much are we wasting? Can we have just as much fun opening gifts by using somet...
Cellphones. There are millions of cellphones floating around the world, many not even activated. There are plenty of organizations dedicated to recycling your cellphone. Like batteries, cellphones contain hazardous chemicals, so they need to be disposed of (or recycled) properly. If you're cellphone is still current technology, you maybe able to get a good price for it on eBay.
Washing machines. If you you think you need an upgrade on your washing machine, first evaluate whether you need a new washing machine or if it can be fixed. If it's beyond any repair, definitely purchase an energy efficient, energy star rated model. The front loaders are currently the most efficient and use far less water and electricity. To recycle your old washing machine, contact the retailer, or ask before you purchase your replacement to see if they'll take it to recycle.
Scrap Metal. Did you know that scrap metal is in huge demand? Clean out your garage, cellar, barn, attic or storage unit and bring it to a scrap metal dealer. Look up scrap dealers in yellowpages.com to see where the closest one is. If you have LOTS of it, you may make some money, too.
Reusing Old CDs and DVDs
a_willow has done it again and applied creativity to old CDs and DVDs. With rising internet downloads, this lens is getting more relevant by the day.
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How to Reuse Old CD or DVD
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Do you burn CD-ROMs on your computer and get errors, where you have to toss the CD-ROM? Do you get tons of CD-ROMs in the mail for Internet providers and trial programs? I do and all these unwanted CD-ROMs are piling up. You can recycle them but it i...
Birds & Cherry Blossoms Reusable Tote Bag
Price: 18.50 
Keep Recycling!
Visit one of these sites to find more recycling tips.
- thedailygreen.com
- The consumer's guide to the green revolution.
- greenlivingtips.com
- Earth friendly advice for a greener planet.
- thegreenguide.com
- Green living tips and environmental news from National Geographic.
- Daily Green Tips
- Useful eco friendly tips by a variety of authors.
- GreenTipsBlog.com
- Recycle anything and everything, cut down on your energy costs and consumption, and make your life a little greener with these quick steps.
More Green Ideas:
Visit these other resources for more green ideas!
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Paperless Paper Towels
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Think about how many rolls of paper towels you consume in a year, month, or week...those really add up! Take a look at this article to see just how much paper towel waste adds up. Luckily, there are alternatives! Chartreuse offers economical and styl...
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Unique Eco Chic, Environmentally Friendly Products From Chartreuse
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Who is Chartreuse? Chartreuse is an eco friendly company offering a wide array of green products that to help you out on your path to going green. Find eco chic reusable shopping bags, biodegradable trash bags, all natural household cleaners, and org...
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Organic Shower Gel
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The ingredients in this organic shower gel from Chartreuse? Saponified organic oils of coconut, olive, and jojoba, organic guar gum extract, essential oils (if scented), organic aloe vera, and rosemary extract. Notice something? Lacking are the hard...
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Reusable Produce Bags
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Make the switch to reusable produce bags and you'll be cutting way back on your personal consumption of harmful plastic bags. Plastic bags harm wildlife and never truly break down--they only break off into smaller, toxic plastic pieces that pollute o...
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Real Christmas Trees vs Fake Christmas Trees
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Real Christmas Trees vs Fake Christmas Trees Real Christmas trees have had a bad wrap for quite some time...but what goes around come around, and real Christmas trees are making a comeback! This doesn't mean you should toss away your old artificial t...
Guestbook
Have a lens of your own that you'd like us to visit? Tell us about it and we'll drop by as soon as we have a free moment!
AppalachianCountry wrote...
Wonderful lens. We were not aware that one could recycle aerosol cans, Thank-you for the great tip.
Posted June 18, 2009
Lori_Lee-Ray wrote...
great tips!! thank you so much! I added you to my green lense!
Posted May 05, 2009
HenryEgg wrote...
What helpful information. I found the information about batteries especially helpful! The next child's birthday party I go to I am going to give rechargeable batteries. What a great idea!
Henry
http://www.geothermalexperts.net/
Posted April 30, 2009
akhil wrote
we have too recycle things and let earth celebrate plenty of birthdays
Posted April 22, 2009
Michael Laniak wrote
Very good info. There are not many places like this that give good pointers and tips on cleaning up the environment. Here is another article that may be useful in uncovering hidden value in /www.rmlmetals.com/articles/money-making-tip1/>recycling your cans.
Posted March 27, 2009
only1bub wrote...
Lovin' the lens! The links in the first box don't work for me though.
Posted February 24, 2009
Pastiche wrote...
Posted January 16, 2009
daria369 wrote...
Thank you for joining my Squidoo group!
"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful."
-- Buddha
Posted January 15, 2009
Gmomofive wrote...
You are a featured lens on Green Tips- Quick Fixes, Easy, & Long Haul Choices! this week.
Posted January 10, 2009
elliespark wrote...
I second "GreenerMe" and all y'all readers here! GreenerMe, thank you for fighting for this planet and using your precious time to enrich us on how we can save our resources and the planet's well-being...!! You have so many of the best lenses on Squidoo; keep rocking!! 5/5 and favorited!!
Posted January 09, 2009
a_willow wrote...
Love it, love it, LOVE IT! You did great job here and this lens looks very appealing!
Posted January 08, 2009
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
Great ideas for recycling.
Often teachers need materials for projects as school. Ask your child's teacher if they need toilet paper tubes, wrapping paper and other items.
Thank you especially for the tips on recycling computers.
Posted December 30, 2008
Graceonline wrote...
Good tips, especially for recycling mattresses and cell phones. You may be interested in this article on recycling mattresses: http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/28112. (Not a Squidoo lens, and not related to anything I am doing; just an environmental article with useful informaiton.)
Posted December 30, 2008
a-ha-design wrote...
Great lens! So earth friendly... Thanks for sharing. :)
Posted December 16, 2008
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Recommended Green Links!
- TheGreenerEarth.com
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- EcoGreenBags.com
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Eco Chic Earth Friendly Products from Chartreuse -- Visit Today!
