Creative Recycling goes a Long Way.
Recycling is an exceptional approach to becoming greener and environmentally friendly; however, there is so much more that can be reused or recycled. Old cell phones, shoes, office supplies or grocery bags are all items that offer an extended life. Communities can provide these items with a second life as well as becoming a valuable part of the eco-friendly movement.
Garbage and recycling company Millennium Waste encourages taking a good look around the house and doing a little creative recycling with the following items which could otherwise be thought of as waste:
- Used clothing – People can take clothes to Goodwill, Salvation Army or a consignment shop, where they can even make a few extra dollars if their clothes sell. Customers can also shop for secondhand clothes instead of buying new, which reduces energy required for production and manufacturing.
- Shoes – Shoes can also be donated to Goodwill or Salvation Army, as well as sold at consignment shops. Old pairs of athletic sneakers can be taken to Niketown or Nike Factory stores for recycling.
- Cellular Phones – The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Apple, Call to Protect, and March of Dimes are all organizations that will take people’s old cell phones and recycle them. More information can be found on the organizations’ websites.
- Office Products – Unwanted office products and small electronics can be taken to any Staples store nationwide for refurbishment or recycling.
- Computers – Most major computer companies offer recycling options. Check out the websites of Apple, Dell, HP, Gateway and Toshiba for more information.
- Mattresses – Mattresses can be dropped off at Goodwill or Salvation Army, or posted online at Freecycle or Craigslist.
- Wire Hangers – Some dry cleaners will take wire hangers to reuse or recycle. Alteration shops may have use for them as well.
- Grocery Bags – Paper grocery bags can be recycled and plastic ones can be used for trash can liners, dirty diaper bags, animal waste, etc. Using cloth bags for groceries is also a great way to go green.
Creative recycling saves energy, reduces waste in the landfills, prevents pollution, decreases emissions from greenhouse gases and conserves natural resources. The more people find ways to recycle, the better our planet will be for ourselves and for future generations.
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