Our Environment

Here are some ideas on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  Not only can it save money, but it protects our environment and helps others in need.

• Go to www.greendimes.comto reduce you junk-mail
• Recycle eyeglasses via www.lionsclubs.org
• Use glass jars for pencil holders, flower vase, buttons, animal treats, spare change, arts and craft materials (You can cut a piece of decorative paper to line the inside to make it pretty.)
• Reuse your plastic bags go to www.reusablebags.com to learn more or pick up a Cloth Bag to use for your groceries instead.
• Purchase from local merchants
• Purchase recycled content office supplies
• Run plastic silverware through the dishwasher
• Use reusable containers instead of plastic baggies
• Use a refillable drinking bottle instead of a disposable one
• Use paints with a low VOC
• Use cosmetics that can be replenished without buying new containers
• Put items up on www.freecycle.org
• Use shower body puffs for cleaning when it’s time to replace it
• Check out “Recycled Crafts Box” by Laura C Martin
• Save the wand from your mascara, when replacing, and use it for a brow brush (clean w/soap and water first)
• For greener consumer products go to www.greenerchoices.org (Consumer Reports)
• Old tires turned into swings at www.homestead.com/prosites-closetheloop
• Donate old cell phones to a local cell phone store or a Staples or www.collectivegood.com or www.calltoprotect.org 1-888-901-SAFE (help domestic violence victims)
• Old soccer gear can be given to www.soccer.org 800-872-2976
• Old Computer www.cristina.org 
• Donate jackets to www.onewarmcoat.org
• Check out Earth 911’s website www.earth911.org
• Printer Cartridges can be recycled at most office stores.
• Switch to rechargeable batteries
• Dispose of old batteries at Radio Shack
• Donate old books to www.halfpricebooks.com (sick children) or www.prisonreader.org (inmates)
• Good Housekeeping had a list of Planet-Friendly Products: Recycline Preserve Razor, Enviro-Log Firelog, Biodegradable Peat Pot, Lenox Platinum Towel (30% bamboo blended with cotton), Cocoon SeaCell Travel Pajamas, Teko Ecopoly Socks
• Use old milk jugs, fabric softer bottles, water bottles, etc.  Use as a scoop, just cut it from the bottom at an angle.  Cut off the bottom and leave the lid on for a paint holder.  Or try as a funnel.