Purchase products with recyclable packaging

Have you ever noticed how similar products can be packaged differently? In this photo, the toothpaste on the left can't be recycled, but the one on the right can be recycled because the container is #5. When you shop and have to choose between two products, find out if either if the packaging can be recycled.

Reduce & Recycle Junk Mail

Most of the mail we receive is junk mail that can be recycled.  Remove and shred confidential information, such as account numbers, etc.  To reduce the amount of incoming mail register with opt-out lists. 

Use Cloth Napkins

To reduce your paper usage, switch to using cloth napkins. You can purchase napkins at the store or make your own from small pieces of material leftover from other projects.

Reuse Plastic Food Packaging

The plastic packaging inside cereal boxes, crackers, and other packaged foods can be reused!  Save empty packaging and use as a replacement for wax paper and/or sandwich bags.

Create a Recycle Center at Home!

Having a convenient recycling center at home will make it easier for you and your family to recycle.  First, you’ll want to find out the types of recyclables that your local recycling company accepts, and then set up your recycling center accordingly. Our recycling center requires us to separate paper products by type of paper. So we have separate recycling bins for junk mail, office paper, colored office paper, newspaper, magazines, and cardboard.