By Steven Davies,
Healthy Planet Staff Writer
As I’ve talked about before, it seems that every time I’m out running errands on trash day, I’m always looking to see what my neighbors have in their trash and recycling bins. I look to see what’s sticking out of them, thinking about how much of what they have in their trash can be recycled and how much of what’s in their recycling bin that can’t be recycled.
In some respects, it’s the same thing that I do at home. I look at things I need to throw away and wonder if it can be recycled instead of feeling guilty for having to throw anything away. If I’m being completely honest here, I even have a box or two of stuff that I want to find out where I might be able to recycle it when I just need to realize that I have no choice but to throw it away.
As I’ve also talked about before, I grew up in a family where recycling was part of our daily life, sorting and taking it all to our local recycling center. I have to realize that I know I’ve thrown a lot of stuff away over my lifetime and I know that won’t necessarily stop.
One thing I can do is to take care of things or repair things to extend their lives. I currently have a lazy-boy type chair with a cushion whose cover is worn out. I also have one with a broken spring. The other day I decided, okay I can put a new cover on the chair and then give it away or donate it. I also decided I’m going to try and replace that spring and also give that chair away.
Something that is becoming easiest of the three for me is to reduce what I need. As I’m getting older, I am becoming more able to realize that I don’t need certain things. Back in the day, I use to go to the local antique malls. These days, I realize I’m becoming an antique.
Last, what I need to try to work a little harder at is finding more things that come in natural materials, be it glass or metal instead of plastic and cotton clothes instead of those produced with man-made fibers like polyester or rayon. Materials that can be reused or recycled.
Meanwhile, I’m going to keep writing and hopefully inspire others to do the same thing. While I can’t do it all, if we all do our small part, perhaps we can help keep this planet green for future generations. All while not worrying about keeping up with the Jones.
For questions about recycling contact me at thprecycler@yahoo.com