5 Easier Ways to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

We've all heard "reduce, reuse, recycle." But how many of us actually do it? Let's fact it, recycling can be inconvenient and many of us feel like we don't have the time or energy to do it. Thing is, recycling isn't just about the environment--it's also about people.  Often trash gets sent to areas that are already struggling and the people that live there have to deal with the stench and sanitation issues that come from unsightly mounds of trash.  So, it's really important to try to reduce the amount of trash we send to landfills as much as possible.

Thankfully, it's starting to become easier. Here are 5 easy ways to recycle:

1) Buy a toothbrush made out of yogurt cups. Plastic is one of the most important things to recycle since it doesn't break down in landfills. Unfortunately, most recycling centers don't take polypropylene (commonly referred to as #5 plastic), the plastic used to make yogurt cups, cottage cheese containers, and vitamin containers.

So, a company called Preserve will take these yogurt cups and turn them into an attractive, effective toothbrush. The container is also an envelope so whenever you buy a new toothbrush you simply drop your old one in the envelope and mail it in so the cycle can continue!

You can buy Preserve Toothbrushes at Whole Foods or Target or online at preserveproducts.com (Preserve also makes other products like plates and measuring cups).

While we're on the subject, drop your yogurt cups and other #5 plastic off in boxes at a variety of Whole Foods locations across the country.

2) Shop second-hand. This is my new favorite thing. It's socially responsible and easy on your wallet.  If you're willing to dig a little, Goodwill often has items that are in excellent quality for very little; Goodwill's stores are also usually fairly clean and the money you spend there help provide jobs for people who need them most.

If thrifting isn't your style, try consignment shops or other local resale stores. I've been looking for a new purse for a while (I'm extremely picky about my purses) and the other day I found a London Fog satchel purse (new retail would be between $125 and $200) in fantastic condition for $18 at local Columbus resale store Rag-O-Rama.  Amazon.com and Craig's List also have a variety of used goods available for purchase.

3) Opt for larger containers as opposed to single serving containers. I know the single serving containers are convenient, but they generate a ton of trash and you usually end up paying more for them. 

• Get a Brita or similar water filter and a reusable water bottle so you can stop buying water bottles. If you use your bottle to drink water, you don't even have to wash it frequently. I really like Klean Kanteen's bottles because they're easy to clean and I like to mix up protein shakes in my water bottles. They're also extremely safe and don't let strange flavors seep into your drink. You can also use the bottle for juice, soda, whatever it is that you drink regularly.

• Instead of buying juice boxes for your kids, buy your child a small waterbottle or, if they're younger, this sippy from Klean Kanteen

• Invest in some good, dishwasher safe reusable food containers and stop buying disposable ones. Preserve also makes these from recycled yogurt cups.

4) Wherever you have a trashcan in your house, put a small can next to it for recyclables. This takes the inconvenience out of throwing things away, and you can pick up inexpensive trashcans at stores like WalMart and Target.  

5) If you don't have curbside pick-up, use therecyclingcenterinfo.com to find a recycling center near you. Pair your recycling drop-off with another weekly errand, like going to the grocery store. That way you don't have to try to remember to make a special trip.

Have other tips I didn't mention? Leave a comment below! I'd love to hear them.

For ways Optimum Companies, Optimum System Products, and Optimum Print Solutions are going green, visit http://www.optimumcompanies.com/ProEnvironmentPolicy.html